Detection of Oocysts of cryptosporidum in stool samples at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Diarrhoea is a common complication of infection with HIV/AIDS leading to weight loss. It occurs in almost 90% of the immunocompromised and HIV patients. Cryptosporidium parvum is a major cause of diarrhoea in developing countries; mainly affecting HIV infected individuals with low CD4 counts. The infection is self limiting in immunocompetent hosts but can be severe and persist in the immunocompromised individuals. Objective: To detect oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining in stool samples of patients attending our Hospital. Material and Methods: Stool samples from forty patients with diarrhoea were examined for oocysts by modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining. Results: Of the 40 stool samples, modified ZN staining detected 19 (47.5%) stool samples positive for oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompromised patients and simple method modified ZN staining can detect oocyst in stool sample.