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Published on: October 6, 2015
[Cryptosporidium sp. infection in Cuban individuals infected by HIV]
P Hadad Meléndez1, H Fernández Abascal, J C Millán Marcelo
1Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kouri.
Insights
Cryptosporidium sp. is prevalent in 38.3% of HIV-infected adults in Cuba, often without symptoms. This highlights a potential reservoir for cryptosporidiosis transmission in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Context:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
- Cryptosporidium species
- Prevalence studies in Cuba
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. in HIV-infected adults in Cuba.
- To identify associated symptoms and risk factors.
- To assess the potential for cryptosporidiosis transmission in this population.
Summary:
- Cryptosporidium sp. was detected in 38.3% of 47 HIV-infected adult patients.
- A significant proportion (44.7%) of infected individuals were asymptomatic.
- Common symptoms included aqueous diarrhea, fever, abdominal colics, asthenia, and weight loss.
Impact:
- Highlights the high prevalence of Cryptosporidium in HIV-positive individuals.
- Emphasizes the role of asymptomatic infections in disease transmission.
- Underscores the need for vigilance in preventing nosocomial spread among immunocompromised patients.
Abstract:
A study was conducted on the presence of Cryptosporidium sp in 47 Cuban adult patients infected by HIV in different infective stages in order to assess for the first time its prevalence in this group. The parasite was found in 18 patients (38.3%), of whom 18 (44.7%) were asymptomatic. The most frequent symptoms were aqueous diarrhea, fever, abdominal colics, asthemia and weight loss. Emphasis is placed on the frequently asymptomatic nature of these infections, which could be an important reservoir for nosocomial transmission of this disease among individuals with immunological disregulations.
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