Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium Infections among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria: Results of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Cryptosporidium is implicated in diarrhea epidemics in many parts of the world and is said to be the most common protozoan cause of diarrhea among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) globally. To provide data on the burden of Cryptosporidium infections among Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS, we reported the prevalence, geographic distribution and Cryptosporidium species diversity among this population in Nigeria.We used the PRISMA guidelines to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published between January 1, 1995 and April 21, 2020. Pooled estimate (PE), heterogeneity, quality of each study and publication bias were determined using the random-effects model, Cochran's Q test, the 9 point Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instrument and the Egger's regression asymmetry test, respectively.Forty-six articles reported 2612 positive cases of Cryptosporidium infections from 12,756 PLWHA examined in 20 Nigerian States and the Federal Capital Territory. Overall pooled estimate was 14.5% (95% CI 10.4-19.9) with a range of 0.3% (95% CI 0.0-1.8) to 43.7% (95% CI 35.6-52.3) across sub-groups, with the PEs in relation to CD4 T cell count, species and age showing significant variations at p < 0.05. Cryptosporidium hominis was the most prevalent (3.5%, 95% CI 2.3-5.2) of the six Cryptosporidium species reported in Nigeria.Cryptosporidium infections are moderately prevalent among PLWHA in Nigeria with the highest regional prevalence in the north-east. In addition to personal hygienic practices, the inclusion of Cryptosporidium screening as part of HIV/AIDS clinics in Nigeria will reduce the burden of the parasite among PLWHA in Nigeria.