Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infection in Slaughtered Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedary) in Maiduguri Central Abattoir, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis is on the increase due to the high incidence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and other debilitating diseases. This study was carried out to determine the age- and sex-specific prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in slaughtered dromedary camels in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. A total number of 170 faecal samples were collected and examined using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining technique under a light microscope. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 27.6%. Camels with age <2 years had the higher prevalence of 31.4%, and the lowest was seen in camels between 2 and 3 years. For camels aged 4-5 years and >5 years, the prevalence was 30.4% and 24.6%, respectively. There was a statistically significant (P=0.001) association between age and detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in Dromedary camels. Males had a higher prevalence of 29.6% compared to females, who had a prevalence of 25.0%. Soft stools had a higher (34.6%) Cryptosporidium compared to semi-solid and solid faeces with 18.2% and 10.5%, respectively. Cryptosporidium infection was not significantly associated with the sex of camels (P=0.24). Cryptosporidiosis poses a serious threat to the camel industry and public health in Maiduguri, Borno State. It was also observed that butchers, animal handlers, and abattoir crews were at risk of contracting the infection and were therefore recommended to wear personal protective clothing (hand gloves and aprons) and also adopt the practice of hand washing to prevent contamination and exposure to the parasites.