Evaluation of intestinal parasitic infections in AIDS patient`s with parasitological and molecular methods in Tabriz, 2016

Abstract

The opportunistic parasites, Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia spp, infect the intestinal tract microvillus border in a varied kind of vertebrate hosts, including humans. These enteric opportunistic microorganisms are foremost causes of acute self-limiting diarrhea in immunocompetent persons and in immunocompromised hosts, particularly in AIDS patients lead to chronic diarrhea, reduce life quality and increase mortality. In this study, by considering this fact that HIV infected individuals have declined immune system and it could make the body suitable place for parasitic opportunistic pathogens especially Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia spp. to invade and lead to death, we conduct this project to evaluate the prevalence rate of these pathogens to make a better interference in therapeutic and public health policies.Method and Materials100 patients were enrolled in this study. Obtained stool samples were tested by direct smear and then MIF and Sheather concentration methods following by Ziehl-Neelsen and trichrom weber stains were used for determination of coccidian oocyst and microsporidia spores. The samples then subjected to polymerase chain reaction (Nested PCR) by specific primers based on the region coding for the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) for diagnostic confirmation of Cryptosporidium spp. and also Real Time PCR was applied for detection of Microsporidia app.ResultsOut of 100 stool examples, 21 and 18 samples were Cryptosporidium positive in microscopy observation and PCR method, respectively. The data for Microsporidia spp.; 18 and 14 samples were positive in microscopy and real time PCR methods, respectively. There were only 2 samples positive both for Cryptosporidium spp and Microsporidia spp. mixed. Molecular methods have higher sensitivity and specificity compare to microscopy and conventional methods.ConclusionBy considering life threatening and lethal sequel of being infected with protozoa in immunocompromised individuals, our findings show that, there is a need for massive and comprehensive study to detect the real and exact status of parasitic infection among immunocompromised individuals especially HIV+ patients and applying inexpensive methods for detection of protozoa.