Detection of cryptosporidium in immunosuppressed patients
1Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, Pakistan. rbaqai@cyber.net.pk
Background:
Cryptosporidium is an important cause of diarrhoeal disease in children and immunosuppressed persons. It is an opportunistic pathogen. A study was done to determine the frequency of Cryptosporidium in immunosuppressed persons.
Methods:
Fecal samples were collected from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi during July to December 2003 and they consisted of three categories of patients which included cancer patients (10) diabetics (20) and patients on dialysis (20). Direct microscopy in saline and iodine was done to detect parasites. Detection of Cryptosporidium from fecal samples was done by Kinyoun method. Bacteriological study was also done to determine any bacterial pathogens.
Results:
Out of 50 fecal samples Cryptosporidium was found in 20 (40%) of cases. Among the different groups Cryptosporidium was found in 80% of cancer patients, 25% diabetics and 35% dialysis patients. Distribution of Cryptosporidium according to gender indicated more cases in males (87%) among cancer patients and 40% among dialyzed patients while diabetic patients showed similar distribution. Among the different age groups male patients were found to be between 40-49 years group for all categories of patients while more positive cases were detected in females in 30-39 years age group. Direct microscopy did not indicate any ova or parasite and bacteriological study indicated Salmonella and Shigella spp. in stool samples.
Conclusion:
This study provides indication of the possibility of Cryptosporodisis in immunosuppressed patient and further comprehensive study is required to clearly establish the relationship of opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed patients.
Insights
Cryptosporidium, an opportunistic pathogen, frequently causes diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals. This study found a 40% infection rate in immunosuppressed patients, particularly in cancer patients, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunocompromised Host Research
Background:
- Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of diarrheal illness in children and immunocompromised individuals.
- It functions as an opportunistic pathogen, necessitating investigation into its prevalence within vulnerable populations.
- This study specifically aimed to ascertain the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infections among immunosuppressed patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of Cryptosporidium infections in immunosuppressed patients.
- To assess the prevalence of Cryptosporidium across different immunosuppressed groups: cancer patients, diabetics, and those on dialysis.
- To investigate potential correlations between Cryptosporidium infection and demographic factors like gender and age within these groups.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 50 immunosuppressed patients (10 cancer, 20 diabetic, 20 dialysis) at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi.
- Parasites were detected using direct microscopy (saline and iodine) and the Kinyoun staining method for Cryptosporidium.
- Bacteriological analysis was performed to identify any co-existing bacterial pathogens, including Salmonella and Shigella spp.
Main Results:
- Cryptosporidium was detected in 20 out of 50 (40%) fecal samples.
- Infection rates varied by group: 80% in cancer patients, 25% in diabetics, and 35% in dialysis patients.
- Salmonella and Shigella spp. were identified in stool samples, but direct microscopy did not reveal other ova or parasites.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a notable prevalence of Cryptosporidium in immunosuppressed patients, suggesting it as a potential opportunistic infection.
- Higher infection rates were observed in cancer patients compared to diabetics and dialysis patients.
- Further comprehensive research is recommended to fully elucidate the relationship between opportunistic infections and immunosuppression.
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