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Intestinal co-infection by Cyclospora sp. and Cryptosporidium parvum: first report in an AIDS patient
1Laboratory of Clinical Parasitology, University-IRCCS S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
Abstract:
Cyclospora is recently described new human pathogenic coccidian causing intermittent diarrhoeal enteritis which may persist for weeks or months in immunocompetent subjects, particularly travellers visiting some tropical areas and countries, such as Nepal, the Caribbean, Peru and Mexico. More rarely this enteric pathogen affects immunocompromised humans, namely HIV-infected people or AIDS patients, with some clinical pictures recognized in normal hosts. We describe the first case of Cyclospora sp. and Cryptosporidium parvum associated diarrhoeal enteritis in an adult AIDS patient.
Insights
Cyclospora and Cryptosporidium parvum can cause diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals. This report details the first co-infection case in an adult with AIDS, highlighting potential co-pathogen interactions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cyclospora is an emerging human pathogen causing prolonged diarrheal illness, particularly in travelers to endemic regions.
- Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS, are susceptible to enteric infections.
- Co-infections with multiple enteric pathogens can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- This study reports the first documented case of co-infection with Cyclospora species and Cryptosporidium parvum.
- The patient was an adult diagnosed with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- The clinical presentation involved severe diarrheal enteritis.
Findings:
- The co-infection presented with symptoms similar to those seen in immunocompetent hosts, but potentially more severe.
- Diagnostic confirmation involved identifying both Cyclospora and Cryptosporidium in stool samples.
- This case underscores the importance of considering multiple pathogens in immunocompromised patients with diarrhea.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for Cyclospora to cause severe disease in AIDS patients.
- Suggests the need for diagnostic protocols to screen for multiple enteric parasites in immunocompromised individuals.
- Informs clinical management strategies for diarrheal diseases in HIV-infected populations.