Cyclospora cayetanensis and intestinal parasitic profile in stool samples in Lagos, Nigeria

Diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world and accounting for over 50 million deaths globally. The involvement of Cyclospora cayetanensis in diarrhoea cases globally has been documented, though with little from the Africa continent. This study was thus carried out to investigate the possible existence of this emerging pathogen and the parasitic profile in stool samples in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 1109 stool samples (216 of which came from diarrhoeal patients) were screened microscopically for intestinal parasites. Parasites were detected in just 16% (177). Cyclospora cayetanensis was detected from 11 stool samples: 10 diarrhoeal stools and one non-diarrhoeric stool. All stool samples positive for this emerging pathogen, were from patients aged 22 to 45 1/2 years, seven of which were seropositive for HIV (p > 0.05). Result thus revealed for the first time in this state and country, the existence of Cyclospora cayetanensis and its possible involvement in diarrhoea cases. It also identified Cryptosporidium parvum as the most prevalent intestinal parasite in the state, a strong departure from previous reports. There is the need however for a more detailed study, in order to determine the exact extent of C. cayetanensis involvement in diarrhoea cases and the effect of seasons and cultural feeding practices on its epidemiology for effective management of diarrhoeal cases.