Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 40: 2659 - 2667. Published April 12, 2011.
Diagnosis of intestinal cryptosporidiosis in Africa: Prospects and Challenges
*Oyibo, W.A1, Okangba, C. C1, Obi, R.K2, Nwanebu, F.C2, Ojuromi, T3
1WHO/Tropical Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria; 2Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; 3Department of Zoology, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria
*Corresponding Authors Email: celchin2005@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Cryptosporidium parvum is an opportunistic parasite capable of causing gastrointestinal illness in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients as well as in children less than 2 years old particularly in developing countries. The parasite causes diarrhea that is self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals and another that is potentially life-threatening in immunosuppressed individuals. Transmission of the parasite could be direct through feacal-oral route or indirect via contaminated water supply, food or environment. Methods of diagnosis of infection due to the parasite, involve use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunological – based detection methods, and microscopy. These diagnostic procedures in Africa are however confronted with several challenges ranging from constant lack of power supply and lack of experienced technologists, poor funding from government for periodic trainings, seminars and workshops for laboratory workers as well as technical complexity of the protocols. Given the poor state of health care infrastructure in Africa, brain drain of skilled personnel, low allocation of resources to health care among others the inclusion of immediate work-ups for the prompt diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis is imperative
Key words: Cryptosporidium, diagnosis, PCR, Microscopy
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