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Cyclospora infection in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

L Deodhar1, J K Maniar, D G Saple

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Bombay Hospital.

The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|March 29, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cyclospora infection affects 6.6% of HIV patients, often with Cryptosporidium coinfection. Early detection of this treatable parasitic cause of diarrhea is crucial for managing HIV-related gastrointestinal illness.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Diarrhea is a frequent symptom in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
  • Protozoan parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Microsporidium, Isospora belli, and Cyclospora are significant causes of diarrhea in HIV patients.
  • Other common enteric protozoa include Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To ascertain the prevalence of Cyclospora infection among HIV-infected individuals.
  • To investigate the incidence of this specific coccidian protozoan in a vulnerable patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fecal specimens from HIV-infected patients.
  • Utilized modified acid-fast staining technique for the identification of Cyclospora oocysts.
  • Microscopic examination of stained fecal smears.

Main Results:

  • Cyclospora oocysts were detected in 22 out of 334 examined fecal samples, representing a 6.6% incidence rate.
  • A significant finding was the 50% coinfection rate with Cryptosporidium among patients positive for Cyclospora.
  • This highlights the potential for mixed parasitic infections in this demographic.

Conclusions:

  • Cyclospora infection (cyclosporiasis) is an important diagnosis in HIV patients due to its treatability with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
  • Waterborne transmission is a known route for Cyclospora outbreaks.
  • Even treated water sources may harbor Cyclospora, emphasizing the need for vigilance in preventing transmission.

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