Comparative Evaluation of Microscopy & Antigen Detection for Cryptosporidium by Elisa in Patients with Immunocompromised Status

Background: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution mainly affecting children and HIV infected individuals with low CD4 counts. The infection is self limiting in immunocompetent hosts but can be severe and persist in the immunocompromised and malnourished individuals. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in faeces among immunocompromised patients Methods Faecal samples from 113 immunocompromised patients with diarrhoea and without diarrhoea were examined for oocysts by microscopy and Cryptosporidium antigen test was performed using ELISA method. Results Of the 113 stool samples our study indicated, 20.3% Cryptosporidium infection prevalence in the immunocompromised participated population. Furthermore, Modified ZN staining(Kinyon’s) detected 13(11.5%), wet mount by direct microscopy 2(1.7%)and concentration method 4(3.53%) stool samples positive for oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptococcal antigen by ELISA 23(20.3%) Stool samples were positive. Conclusion The present study confirmed the high prevalence of Cryptosporidium antigen in fecal samples of immunocompromised patients in the region. As no chemotherapeutic agents have yet proven, especially in immunosuppressed patients, therefore our results highlight the importance of preventive intervention in these groups.