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Opportunistic parasitic infections in immunocompromised hosts
H M Khalil1, M K Makled, M E Azab
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Opportunistic parasitic infections are common in immunocompromised patients, with Strongyloides stercoralis and Pneumocystis carinii detected. Toxoplasmosis was also prevalent, though not significantly higher than in healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Immunosuppressive therapy in malignancy patients increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
- Determining the prevalence of specific parasitic infections is crucial for managing immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- Parasitological and serological examinations were conducted on 111 cancer patients on immunosuppressive therapy and 20 healthy controls.
- Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis was 3.64%, Pneumocystis carinii was 2.7%, and Toxoplasma gondii (IFAT positive) was 36% in patients.
- Control group showed 20% IFAT positivity for Toxoplasma gondii, with no significant difference observed in Toxoplasma infection rates between groups.
Findings:
- A high prevalence of opportunistic parasitic infections (66.7%) was observed in the patient cohort.
- No Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in any participants.
- Concomitant opportunistic Pneumocystis and Toxoplasma infection was noted in one case.
Implications:
- Findings highlight the significant burden of opportunistic parasitic infections in immunocompromised cancer patients.
- Early detection and management strategies for these infections are essential.
- Further research into the specific risks and clinical outcomes associated with these infections in this population is warranted.