Isosporiasis in a tertiary care center of North India

• Main Authors: Neha Gautam (Author), Sumeeta Khurana (Author), Aman Sharma (Author), Rakesh Sehgal (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 0377-4929; 10.4103/0377-4929.134707
• Keywords: Cystoisospora belli; diarrhea; opportunistic; parasite; Pathology; RB1-214; Microbiology; QR1-502
• Source: Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology, Vol 57, Iss 2, Pp 272-274 (2014)

Background: Cystoisospora (Isospora) belli is a coccidian, protozoan parasite that resides in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. It is mainly reported from HIV-positive individuals. However, a few cases have been reported in other immunosuppressed individuals including renal transplant patients, and those with lymphoma and leukemia. Materials and Methods: During a period of 5 years (2008-2012), approximately 1700 stool samples of immunosuppressed patients were screened for the presence of opportunistic parasitic infections by a modified acid fast staining technique. Results: A total of 41 C. belli were reported, out of which 30 were HIV-positive individuals while 11 were HIV negative. The latter individuals were also immunosuppressed due to prolonged use of steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. Twenty-six out of 30 HIV-positive patients and all the HIV-negative individuals with C. belli infection had diarrhea. Conclusion: All immunosuppressed individuals should be examined for the presence of opportunistic coccidian parasitic infections and treated accordingly and alternatively, isolation of opportunistic parasites should trigger a hunt for immunocompromised state to reduce the morbidity and mortality in such patients.