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Published on: June 11, 2011
Molecular detection of intestinal protozoa and microsporidia in HIV/AIDS patients
Sehriban Yurekturk1, Tuba Damar Cakırca2, Esra Gurbuz3
1Vocational School of Health Services Van, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Türkiye.
Introduction:
This study investigate opportunistic pathogens Cryptosporidium spp, Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis, and microsporidia species in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection using molecular methods, and to identify associated risk factors.
Methods:
The study included 100 randomly selected HIV-seropositive patients, along with 50 healthy individuals as the control group. Participants who reported receiving antiparasitic treatment during the study period were excluded. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Blastocystis and microsporidia, while nested PCR was employed to identify Cryptosporidium spp. and G. intestinalis.
Results:
Blastocystis was found in 22% of the of HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, as was microsporidia in 17%, Cryptosporidium spp. in 12%, and G. intestinalis in 11%. In the control group, Blastocystis was detected in 8%, microsporidia in 6% and Cryptosporidium spp. in 2%, while G. intestinalis was not detected. The differences in the prevalence of G. intestinalis (p = 0.001), Cryptosporidium spp. (p = 0.009), microsporidia (p = 0.013), and Blastocystis (p = 0.029) between the patient and control groups were statistically significant. Multiple parasitic infections were identified in 12% of HIV/AIDS patients, whereas no cases of multiple parasitism were observed in the control group.
Conclusion:
HIV/AIDS patients were found to be at increased risk for G. intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., microsporidia, and Blastocystis. Given the presence of multiple parasitism, stool samples from HIV/AIDS patients should be routinely screened using comprehensive diagnostic methods targeting all major intestinal parasites.
Insights
HIV/AIDS patients have a significantly higher risk of intestinal parasitic infections, including Blastocystis, microsporidia, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia. Routine screening of stool samples is recommended for early detection and management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Opportunistic intestinal parasites pose a significant health risk to individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- Commonly implicated pathogens include Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis, and microsporidia species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis, and microsporidia in HIV-infected patients using molecular methods.
- To identify risk factors associated with these parasitic infections in the HIV-positive population.
Main Methods:
- A molecular approach utilizing conventional and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed.
- The study included 100 HIV-seropositive patients and 50 healthy controls, excluding participants on antiparasitic treatment.
Main Results:
- Higher prevalence rates of Blastocystis (22%), microsporidia (17%), Cryptosporidium spp. (12%), and G. intestinalis (11%) were observed in HIV/AIDS patients compared to controls.
- Statistically significant differences in the detection rates of all four parasites were found between the patient and control groups (p < 0.05).
- Multiple parasitic infections occurred in 12% of HIV/AIDS patients, a condition not observed in the control group.
Conclusions:
- HIV/AIDS patients are at an elevated risk for infections with G. intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., microsporidia, and Blastocystis.
- The high incidence of multiple parasitic infections underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic strategies.
- Routine screening of stool samples from HIV/AIDS patients using broad-spectrum molecular methods is crucial for effective management.
