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Isosporiasis in children
Bijay R Mirdha1, S K Kabra, J C Samantray
1Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110 029, India. mirdhabr@hotmail.com
Insights
Intestinal coccidiosis caused by Isospora belli is uncommon in children with diarrhea. While diarrhea may last longer in children with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), symptoms are similar across HIV-positive and negative groups.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Diarrhea is a common ailment in children, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Intestinal coccidiosis, caused by parasites like Isospora belli, can be a significant cause of persistent diarrhea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of intestinal coccidiosis in children with diarrhea.
- To compare the clinical presentation and duration of diarrhea in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive versus HIV-negative children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data from pediatric patients with diarrhea over a decade.
- Stool sample analysis for the identification of parasitic infections, specifically Isospora belli.
Main Results:
- Isospora belli was identified in the stool samples of seven children with diarrhea during the ten-year study period.
- Diarrhea showed a trend towards longer duration in HIV-seropositive children compared to seronegative children.
- No significant differences in the clinical picture of diarrhea were observed between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children.
Conclusions:
- Isospora belli is an infrequent cause of diarrhea in the studied pediatric population.
- While HIV infection may prolong diarrhea, it does not significantly alter the clinical presentation of coccidiosis in children.
Abstract:
The clinical, laboratory and therapeutic data of patients with diarrhea in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody positive, immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals were studied especially to look for prevalence of intestinal coccidiosis. During a study period of one decade, Isospora belli were identified in the stool samples of seven children with diarrhea. Diarrhea persisted for a little longer period in HIV-seropositive children compared to sero-negatives but the clinical picture did not differ significantly in either HIV infected or HIV uninfected individuals.