PREVALENCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM IN DUNG C OLLECTED FROM CATTLE IN BAMENDA, NORTHWEST REGION OF CAMEROON

The dynamic of Cryptosporidia parvum and its zoonotic potentials have not been established in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, which is an important watershed in Cameroon with a lot of cattle grazing at free range. The aim of this study was to identify Cryptosporidia oocysts and other intestinal parasites in cattle from the 6 out of the 7 divisions that make up the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Single stool samples were randomly collected from 60 cattle (30 diarrhoeic and 30 n on - diarrhoeic) immediately the cattle passed dung. Dungs were examined for intestinal parasites using standard techniques (Formalin - ether sedimentation method and Modified Kinyoun’s acid - fast stain). Out of the 60 dung samples examined, 34 were found to be positive with one or more parasites, giving an overall prevalence of 56.67%. Fasciola species recorded the highest prevalence 10(16.67%), followed by Cryptosporidium parvum 07(11.7 Fasciola spp has the highest prevalence 7(23.33%), followed by Cryptospo ridium parvum 5(16.67%), in diarrhoeic dung. For non - diarrhoeic dung Fasciola spp 2(6.67% and Cryptosporidium parvum is 2(6.67) that were the same.Cryptosporidium parvum is common in the North West Region of Cameroon and can easily contaminate the environm ent leading to human infections.