Cyclospora cayetanensis in stools submitted to hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cyclospora cayetanensis is an emerging human pathogen associated with gastrointestinal disease. The epidemiology and biology of the parasite are poorly understood, and numerous outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been recorded from around the world since 1990, but the incidence of the parasite in Nigeria has not been described.

Design and methods: A cross-sectional, laboratory-based study was conducted in Lagos-metropolis state in southwestern Nigeria. All stool samples submitted to the Microbiology and Parasitology Department between March 1999 and April 2000 were processed for the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis. Data from each patient were obtained from health records and via questionnaires, including age, sex and reason for hospital visit.

Results: In total, 1109 stool samples were collected during the period of study. Eleven (0.99%) were confirmed to be positive for Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts. Other parasites were also detected, including Cryptosporidium sp., Entamoeba sp., Ascaris, Trichuris, Strongyloides sp., and hookworm.

Conclusions: Cyclospora cayetanensis is an infrequent but important cause of gastrointestinal disease in Lagos, Nigeria. This is the first report of Cyclospora infection in Nigeria and suggests that medical practitioners and laboratory scientists should be made more aware of the infection.