Cryptosporidiosis in HIV seropositive patients in Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Karnataka, South India

Abstract

Background: Cryptosporidium parvum a coccidian protozoal parasite causes a protracted lifethreatening diarrhea in HIV sero-positive patients. This study was conducted to find out distribution of cryptosporidium infection in HIV sero-positive patients (with acute or chronic diarrhea) admitted in Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, South India.
Method: Freshly passed stool samples were collected and stained with modified Ziehl Neelson staining technique and examined under microscope for the detection of oocyst of Cryptosporidium.
Results: Thirty out of 70 (42.85%) of HIV sero-positive patients were found to have Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst in their stool samples.
Conclusion: Known prevalence of cryptosporidial in HIV positive patients can help in starting prophylaxis and can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with severe diarrhea.