Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of esbl producing klebsiellae isolated from clinical specimens in a nigerian tertiary hospital

Background: Infection by Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBLs) producing bacteria is a threat to man as a consequence of treatment challenges. This study evaluated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of ESBL producing Klebsiellae (EPK) in clinical specimens at the University of Ilorin Teaching hospital, Ilorin (UITH), Nigeria. Methods: ESBL production was assayed using Double Discs Synergy Test (DDST). Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by Modified Kirby-Baeur method with the organism tested against ceftazidime (30µg), cefotaxime (30µg), amoxicillin clavulinic acid (20/10µg), cefepime (30µg), ciprofloxacin (5µg), gentamicin (10µg), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (23.75/1.25µg), imipenem (10µg) and doripenem (10µg) (Oxoid, UK). Results: Fifty (26.7%) of the 187 Klebsiellae studied were EPK comprising of 37(26.8%) Klebsiella pneumoniae and 13(26.5%) Klebsiella oxytoca. EPK were mostly from wound specimens (24.0%) although Klebsiellae were mostly occurring in sputum (26.2%). The EPK were resistant to ceftazidime (100%), cefotaxime (94.0%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (92.0%), gentamicin (70.0%) and ciprofloxacin (70.0%) but 100% susceptible to both doripenem and imipenem. Conclusion: The prevalence of EPK in this study is high and they are multi-drug resistant. Carbapenems are the best antibiotic treatment option for infections arising from these organisms although a coordinated rational usage is desired along with functional antibiotic prescription policy to avoid treatment failures. Continuous surveillance for ESBL producing Klebsiellae and resistance monitoring are necessary routine to strengthen infection control policies

Measles vaccine potency and sero-conversion rates among infants receiving measles immunization in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

This study was designed to assess the seroconversion rate of measles vaccine among infants receiving measles immunization in Ilorin, Nigeria. The pre- and post-measles vaccination sera of the children were tested using the Haemagglutination Inhibition test. The measles vaccines administered at the immunization centre were also tested for their potency using in-vitro titration method. Only 286 (71.5%) of the vacinees returned to give post-vaccination samples. All the infants screened had low pre-vaccination measles antibody titers. Thirty one (8.0%) of the infants had measles prior to vaccination. The seroconversion pattern showed that 196 (68.6%) of the infants developed protective antibody titers. Low seroconversion rate reported in this study was due to low vaccine potency. The titers of vaccines with low potency ranged between log10(-1.0)-log10(-2.25) TCID/per dose. This was beside other non specific antiviral substances exhibited virus neutralizing activity. Only 3 (50%) of the 6 vaccine vials tested had virus titers of log10(-3.25) to log10(-3.5), which fell above the cut-off point recommended by the World Health Organization for measles vaccines. The sero-conversion rate of 68.6% observed among vaccinees is far lower than the immunity level of 95% required stopping measles transmission in an endemic community. Failure of 31.4% of these infants to sero-convert post vaccination can be attributed partly to administration of sub-potent vaccines. There is need for improvement and maintenance of effective vaccine cold chain system in Nigeria. There is need also for periodic monitoring of post-vaccination antibody titers as well as vaccine potency status in order to ensure development of protective seroconversion rates.

Prevalence of Extended Spectrum beta-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella Species at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

Background: Persistent blind antibiotic treatment of patients; in resource poor nations like Nigeria; makes the prevalence of antibiotic resistance to increase sporadically. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production is one of the ways by which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. For this reason; isolation; identification; sensitivity and screening for possible resistance genes is very important before prescription; if the affected patients must receive qualitative care particularly when their condition is chronic. Materials and Methods: Four hundred suspected isolates of Klebsiella belonging to various species obtained from routine specimens such as swabs; urine; blood; and sputum from May to October 2009 were studied. The identity of all isolates obtained was biochemically analyzed. The isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using modified Kirby-Bauer method and ESBL production was phenotypically determined using double disc synergy test for laboratory detection and reporting of bacteria by CLSI method. Results: Ninety-eight (24.5%) isolates expressed ESBL. Majority of the ESBL producing isolates were from swab specimens 59 (14.75%) followed by blood culture 16 (4.0%); urine 13 (3.25%); and sputum 10 (2.5%). Sensitivity patterns of ESBL producing Klebsiella spp. revealed that all ware resistant to augmentin (AUG); ceftazidime (CAZ); cefotaxime (CTX); cefuroxime (CRO); cefpodoxime (CPD); and none resistant to imipenem (IMP).Conclusion: ESBL producing Klebsiella spp.; were present in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. They are resistant to augmentin (AUG); CAZ; CTX; and CPD. Presence of ESBL in any Klebsiella spp. has made cephalosporins which are first line antibiotics usually given non-effective; thereby reducing the treatment options. We; therefore; suggest screening and confirmation for ESBL; in other to prevent treatment failure

RISK FACTORS AND SERO-PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN AMONG BLOOD DONORS IN UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, ILORIN, NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND: Availability of safe blood and blood products for transfusion is increasingly difficult globally, especially in developing countries because of high prevalence of Transfusion Transmissible Infections. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of HBsAg among blood donors and to evaluate the socio-economic, demographic and medical factors associated with its infection. DESIGN: A prospective study. SUBJECTS: Three hundred and fifty consecutive blood donors were recruited. 2 ml of venous blood was collected aseptically from the ante-cubital vein and subjected to serological test for HBsAg. RESULTS: High prevalence rate 10.9% was recorded. All the donors reactive to HBsAg were males (38,100%) with a mean age of 30.7 ± 8.02 years, while 55.3%, 44.7%, 5.3%, 42%, 47.4%, 5.3% of them were single, married, primary school graduate, secondary school graduate, tertiary school graduate and illiterate respectively with 36.8%, 23.7%, 39.5% and 0% been unemployed, civil servants/professionals, skilled artisans and business/petty traders. The most common risk factor was multiple sexual partners 55.3%, followed by extra marital affairs 13.2%, tattooing 10.5%, previous blood transfusion 5.2%, previous surgery 2.6% and sex trading 2.6%. CONCLUSION: Active public enlightenment programmes and strict blood donation selection criteria need to be put in place in order to provide safe blood and blood products for transfusion.

Pattern of bacterial isolates in the middle ear discharge of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media in a tertiary hospital in North central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Otitis media (OM) is a major health problem in both developed and developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern of bacterial isolates in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media(CSOM) in Ilorin, Nigeria. METHODS: A prospective study carried out in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria among consenting patients with CSOM attending the ENT clinic over a period of 7months. Informed consent was obtained from the patients or caregivers and approval for the study obtained from ethical committee. Structured questionnaire was administered and microbiological analysis done, data obtained was entered into SPSS statistical software and results presented in tables and figures. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients aged 5-64yrs with chronic suppurative otitis media were interviewed with a mean age of 17.0 (S.D. =15.1±1.30). About 55.2% of the respondents were under 10yrs. Seventy-two (53.7%) of the respondents were males with M:F=1.2:1. The gram stain showed predominantly gram negative organisms (71.6%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the commonest middle ear pathogenic organism identified and the sensitivity pattern highly favoured ciprofloxacin CONCLUSION: CSOM is still a childhood problem among the under tens' more prevalent among males and the commonest agent is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ciprofloxacin is still the most sensitive antibiotics in vitro.

Awareness and practice of safety precautions among healthcare workers in the laboratories of two public health facilities in Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of awareness and practice of SP among laboratory workers at two tertiary public health facilities in Nigeria. METHODS: A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the awareness, attitude and adherence to SP among laboratory workers. Information on the availability of safety equipment was also sought. The laboratory safety practice of respondents was assessed based on self-reported observance of basic principles of universal precautions in clinical settings. RESULTS: Study participants were 130, mean age: 28.2 years (SD±6.6), number of years in hospital employment: 3.7 years (SD±2.4) and the male to female ratio was 1.8:1. Many (41.5%) were unaware and 25.4% do not observe SP. Participants attest to availability of various safety devices and equipment including hand gloves (86.2%), disinfectants (84.6%), HBV immunisation (46.2%) and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV and HBV (79.6%). Attitude to safety is unsatisfactory as 60.0% eat and drink in the laboratory, 50.8% recap needles and 56.9% use sharps box. Even though 83.1% are willing to take PEP, only 1.5% will present self following laboratory injury. CONCLUSION: This study shows the deficit in the awareness of SP among laboratory personnel and demonstrates that attitude and practice of safety rules are unsatisfactory. Training and re-training on SP is therefore desired. Counselling to induce a positive attitudinal change on HBV immunisation and PEP is similarly necessary.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: awareness, knowledge and disposition to screening among healthcare workers in critical care units of a Nigerian hospital.

BACKGROUND: Awareness level about methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is high in the western world but the status in developing countries is not well defined. OBJECTIVE: To assess MRSA awareness level, knowledge and disposition to screening among critical healthcare givers (HCGs) in Nigeria. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of HCGs in critical care units of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria on MRSA and their willingness to submit to screening. RESULTS: Only 103 (52.0%) of the 198 participants were aware of MRSA but all were favourably disposed to screening for the organism. Awareness was through hospital rounds 65(63.1%) and journals/ textbooks 35(34.0%), and Many, 120 (60.6%) considered MRSA as a threat in the hospital, while only 27 (13.6%) thought otherwise and 51(25.8%) were indifferent. Most HCGs, 124 (87.9%) reported that there were no MRSA control measures in their respective duty post. The age, cadre of work, and number of years in the hospital's critical care units correlated positively with awareness level. CONCLUSION: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus awareness level among the HCGs in our hospital is just a little above 50.0% with substantial proportion of them not realizing the medical implication of the organism. However, majority are well disposed to MRSA screening. Inadequate publicity is a major contributor to poor knowledge and awareness. There is need for educational intervention and sensitization programs on MRSA and other infection control techniques for HCGs in developing nations especially Nigeria.

Reliability of urine multistix and gram stain in the detection of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: urinary tract infection is a common problem during pregnancy. Asymptomatic bacteriuria can cause the development of serious complications affecting both the mother and foetus. Urine culture, the traditional screening test is relatively expensive, time consuming and requires a microbiology laboratory and trained staff. However simpler, less expensive tests which include urine multistix and urine gramstain better suited for developing countries are available. OBJECTIVE: to determine the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of multistix nitrite, leucocyte esterase (LE) and urine gram staining for asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from 1st July to 31st October 2007, at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) on 125 consenting asymptomatic pregnant women. A structured proforma was used to collect information from the women and a midstream urine specimen collected in two sterile bottles. One was tested with Multistix® for the presence of nitrite and leucocyte esterase and the other for bacteriological culture and urine gram stain. RESULTS: using the gold standard of urine culture, the sensitivities of Multistix® nitrite and leucocyte esterase were each 14% and the specificity 100% and 96% respectively. Urine gram stain had a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 74.7%. CONCLUSION: multistix® nitrite and leucocyte esterase are not sufficiently sensitive to be used as a screening tool for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Urine gram stain can be used in areas where facilities are inadequate for culture but cannot replace it. More studies are required to determine the accuracy of urine gram-stain.

Cryptococcal meningitis in a newly diagnosed AIDS patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcus neoformans is a very important cause of fungal meningitis in immunosuppressed patients OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in an HIV/AIDS patient from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. METHODS: An 18 -year -old male student presented with cough, weight loss, and fever. He was clinically assessed and had full laboratory investigations including cerebrospinal fluid CSF and then started on chemotherapy. Both the clinical and neurological evaluation of the patient was described along with the laboratory analyses of his CSF. Outcome of how he was managed was also reported. RESULTS: Cryptococcus neoformans presented as an AIDS defining fungal infection for the first time in this 18 year old undergraduate who was infected probably from transfusion of unscreened blood He had advanced HIV infection (CD4+ count of 29 cells/ul) and severe cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. He was unsuccessfully managed with fluconazole, a second choice drug for this condition, amphotericin B being not available. CONCLUSION: Nigerians should have access to effective blood transfusion services at all public and private hospitals across the country. The National Essential Drug list should be expanded to include drugs such as amphotericin B which hitherto were considered exotic.

Bacterial isolates of blood cultures in patients with suspected septicaemia in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Periodic bacteriologic surveillance of blood cultures is a necessity. To determine currently prevalent bacterial pathogens of blood cultures in patients with suspected septicaemia in Ilorin. Nigeria. Three thousand and fifty-seven patients from all age and sex groups with clinical suspicion of septicaemia underwent bacteriologic screening of their blood specimen over a 13 month period starting from January. 2003. Twenty point three percent were positive for bacterial growth. An incidence of 41.7 per 1000 admissions was recorded which was a statistically significant (p< 0.05) marginal increase when compared with the previous incidence of 37.9 per 1000 admissions from this centre. Majority of the isolates were gram negative (51.61%) though the single predominant isolate was Staphylococcus aureus (35.85%). Other isolates included Escherichia coli (32.48%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.74%), Proteus spp (0.32%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus (1.61%), Salmonella typhi (0.48%). beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (0.48%) and Acinetobacter spp (0.32%). No anaerobe was isolated. Most isolates were sensitive to fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin, perfloxacin and ciprofloxacin) and third generation cephalosporins (ceftriaxone and ceftazidime) except Acinetobacter that was 100% resistant to both groups of antibiotics. Gram positive isolates were resistant to the second generation cephalosporin, cefuroxime. We hereby recommend the use of combination of a third generation cephalosporin and fluoroquinolones where not contraindicated, in the empiric treatment of septicaemia before sensitivity results are available.

The bacteriology of pre-labour rupture of membranes in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

A prospective case control study that was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, between 1st January and 31st December 2002. The purpose of this study was to determine the association and the pattern of bacteria/microorganisms in the aetiology of pre-labour premature rupture of membrane (PROM) in this centre. A total of 108 cases of PROM and 98 control cases that presented between 37 completed weeks' and 40 weeks' gestation were analysed. Pathogens were isolated in 48 patients, giving a recovery rate of 44.4%. The common pathogens include Gardnerella vaginalis (29.1%), Candida (23.0%) and Staphylococcus aureus (18.7%). Others were Streps. Pyogenes (16.6%), coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS) (6.3%) and Klebsiella (6.3%). Only Candida and S. aureus were isolated in the controls. Ofloxacin and azithromycin were 100% active against all the isolated pathogens, while ampicillin was the least active. G. vaginalis was the most sensitive among the isolates while CONS and Klebsiella were the least sensitive. It is evident in this study that some pathogens were associated with PROM and that G. vaginalis was the most common organism and azithromycin was the only antibiotic with 100% sensitivity. We suggest that metronidazole should be added to azithromycin to cover for anaerobes in cases of PROM, where facilities for screening for anaerobes are not available.

Antibiotic disc sensitivity pattern of pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtained from clinical specimens in Ilorin, Nigeria.

The choice of antibiotics used for first line treatment of infectious disease depends largely on previously known antibiogram within a specified locality among other factors. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtain from clinical specimen in Ilorin, Nigeria was studied over a 12 month period, starting from January 2003. A total of 102 isolates were recovered from various clinical specimens and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns were determined by disc diffusion method on antibiotic sensitivity agar (ASA). Single antibiotic discs (AD) were used. The isolates were incubated at 37 degrees C for 18-24 hours following inoculation on ASA and application of AD before the results were read. Most isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin (77.6%), cefuroxime (76.6%), ciprofloxacin (75.3%), perfloxacin (66.0%), streptomycin (64.0%) and gentamicin (59.8%). Appreciable resistance to ceftazidime (50.7%) and increasing resistance to gentamicin (40.2%) than is previously known, were recorded. Urinary isolates were generally more resistant than isolates from other sources. Majority of the isolates were recovered from patients attending the general out-patient department of the hospital indicating extension of multi-drug resistant microbial isolates beyond hospital settings. Review of antibiotic sensitivity pattern of clinical isolates regularly and the antibiotics prescribing policy in the country is advocated. Combination of quinolones and aminoglycosides, where these are no contraindications, is recommended for first line treatment of suspected cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections because of non-availability of anti-pseudomonad drugs in the country.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among pregnant women in Ilorin, Nigeria.

In a cross-sectional study, 230 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Nigeria from January 2000 to December 2000 were screened randomly to determine the prevalence of common STDs among them, using conventional methods. One hundred and fourteen (49.4%) of the subjects harboured various agents including Candida spp. (37.8%), Trichomonas vaginalis (4.7%), Gardnerella vaginalis (3.9%), syphilis (1.7%) and Neisseria gonorrhea (1.3%). Risk factors associated with significant infection were young age and level of education. The importance of routine STD screening in pregnancy especially among the young and illiterate is advocated. It is recommended that routine screening for STDs should be incorporated into antenatal care.

Scopulariopsis associated meningitis in adult Nigerian AIDS patient--a case report.

Since the advent of HIV/AIDS, many opportunistic organisms have proved to be potential pathogens in infected patients. We present a case report of opportunistic filamentous fungal meningitis caused by Scopulariopsis species in a 38 year old Nigerian male.

Treatment outcome of otomycosis in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Among 141 patients suspected of having otomycosis, 76 (53.9%) were mycologically confirmed. The fungi isolated were Aspergillus sp (63.4%), Candida (35.5%) and Mucor (1.3%). Ninety-six per cent were symptom free within 2 weeks of topical application of 1% clotrimazole cream, after thorough failures in the cleaning of debri in the ear canal. Treatment failures were minimal, including recurrence (2.6%), acute otitis externa (1.3%), foreign body in the ear (1.3%) and blocking of ear by therapeutic agent (2.6%). This treatment regimen is simple, efficacious, cost effective and safe; hence it is recommended for adoption in the management of otomycosis.

Pathogenic agents of chronic suppurative otitis media in Ilorin, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the type and pattern of antibiotic susceptibility of the pathogenic micro-organisms causing chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in our environment. DESIGN: A retrospective study of ear discharges from patients presenting consecutively with chronic suppurative otitis media. SETTINGS: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, a major referral centre in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bacterial isolates and their sensitivity patterns. SUBJECTS: Three hundred and seventy five patients aged between eight months and 70 years referred to the ear, nose, and throat clinic of The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: About 95.5% and 4.5% of the specimens were culture positive and negative respectively. The commonest bacterial aetiologic agents were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.0%) and Proteus spp (21.8%). Peak prevalence of 30.5% occurred among the 0-5 years age group. Seventy five per cent of isolates were gram-negative bacteria. Ofloxacin produced 100% sensitivity in both gram positive and gram-negative organisms tested. Colistin, ceftazidime and cefuroxime were highly active (80%) against the gram-negative bacteria while erythromycin and cloxacillin were very effective (80%) against the gram-positive isolates. CONCLUSION: Chronic suppurative otitis media is still highly prevalent in our environment, affecting mainly children. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of pathogenic isolates is different from those of other regions of Nigeria with increasing resistance recorded for some organisms. Hence, where possible and available, susceptibility tests should guide the management of CSOM in this environment, otherwise, ofloxacin if indicated and cloxacillin/erythromycin may provide relief and delay emergence of resistant strains.

Prophylactic effect of multi-herbal extract 'Agbo-Iba' on malaria induced in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a multi-herbal preparation extract of 'Agbo-Iba' on rodent malaria induced in mice. DESIGN: An experimental design in which mice were divided into four groups A,B,C,D representing control, prophylactic, chloroquine and 'Agbo-Iba' groups respectively. Each mouse was intraperitoneally inoculated with Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis and treated with oral herbal extract or chloroquine syrup depending on group. SETTING: College of Medicine of the University of Lagos Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Laboratory. SUBJECTS: One hundred and twenty male and female albino mice aged 10-12 weeks with an average weight of 25 grams. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The herbal extract was effective, preventing the development of parasitaemia in the prophylactic group of mice. RESULTS: After intraperitoneal inoculation of Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis, a prepatent period of two days was observed before parasitaemia was established in all but the prophylactic group of mice. Induced infection was promptly aborted with oral chloroquine treatment in group C, while in groups A and D, infection terminated fatally. Group B mice appeared normal throughout the duration of investigation with 100% survival rate. CONCLUSION: 'Agbo-Iba' extract has some prophylactic action against malaria induced in mice with no apparent significant side effects.

Male infertility among sexually transmitted diseases clinic attendees in Ilorin, Nigeria.

The fertility status of 456 men who attended the sexually transmitted diseases clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin because of infertility was studied using their seminal fluid analysis. 159 (34.8%) and 297 (65.2%), presented with primary and secondary infertility respectively. 108 (23.7%) of them were infertile, or azospermic while 207 (45.3%) were sub-fertile or oligospermic. Of the infertile men, a significant proportion (45.4%) were non-indigenes. 49.5% of the sub-fertile subjects had mild oligospermia and could benefit from simple therapeutic procedures. The study recorded 7% bacteriospermia which may have contributed to male infertility in his environment. The importance of these findings are discussed with positive suggestions towards prevention and control of male infertility.

The fungal profile of otomycosis patients in Ilorin, Nigeria.

The pathogenic fungi associated with ear infection among 142 patients with clinical signs of otomycosis are reported. 76(54%) were positive for at least one organism. The isolates included: Aspergillus (63.2%), Candida (35.5%), and Mucor (0.7%). Further analysis showed that Candida species comprised C. albicans (18.4%), C. tropicalis (10.5%), and C. pseudotropicalis (6.6%), while A. fumigatus (39.5%), A. niger (23.7), and Mucor (0.7%), were other significant pathogens. Males and females were almost equally affected, while the preponderance of positive patients (79%) were +21 years old. There were 7(9%) bilateral, 29(38%) left unilateral and 40(53%) right unilateral ear infections respectively. This report has provided useful information on the prevalence, health implications, and preventive measures against causative agents of otomycosis, an infection grossly neglected in our environment.

Childhood cryptosporidiosis and intestinal parasitosis in association with diarrhoea in Kwara State, Nigeria.

The faecal samples of one-hundred and ninety eight children aged 0-14 years with diarrhoea or loose watery stools attending the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (U.I.T.H) over a period of 18 months were examined for Cryptosporidium and other intestinal parasites, using a light microscope for direct smear and after concentration for formol-either method and staining with safranin-methylene blue technique. Thirty (15.1%) samples were positive for Crptospo-ridium oocyst while seventy (35.3%) were positive for regular intestinal parasites. The male-female ratio for positive cases for the two groups of entric pathogens were 1.3:1 and 3:2 respectively. Concomitant oocyst secretion occurred with other intestinal parasites except for hookworm. Also, the usual intestinal parasites were found more commonly in diarrhoea stools than in control stools where no oocyst was detected. 86.7% oocyst secretion occurred in the 0-2 years age group, but oocysts were not encountered after the age of 4 years. There was a positive correlation between Cryptosporidiosis and other intestinal parasitic agents of diarrhoea (P<0.01). The health implications of these findings are fully discussed.