Cryptosporidiosis: an Emerging Enteric Disease in Hiv-infected Patients, Barak Valley, Assam, India

Objective: Enteric parasites are a major cause of diarrhoea in HIV-infected people. The present study was undertaken to detect enteric parasites in HIV-infected patients with diarrhoea at different levels of immunity. Methods: The study was carried out at the ART centre Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India, between March 2013 and March 2014 among consecutively enrolled 127 HIV-infected patients presenting with diarrhoea. Stool samples were collected and examined for enteric parasites by microscopy and special staining methods. CD4 cell counts were estimated using the rapid serological tests using Combs Aids, Pareekshak® HIV 1⁄2 Triline card test and SD Bioline anti-HIV 1⁄2 test kits as per protocol provided by the supplier. Results: A total of 127 stool samples was collected from the HIV patients attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) center at Silchar Medical College Hospital in Assam and were isolated for Cryptosporidium oocysts during the one year period from March 2013 and March 2014. The stool samples were examined by the help of modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. It was seen that out of 127 samples, 25 were Cryptosporidium oocysts positive (19.68%), which is the higher than the prevalence range reported from the Southern Assam of India. Conclusion: Cryptosporidium infections were detected in 19. 68 percent HIV-infected patients and low CD4 counts were significantly associated with infection. Detection of aetiologic pathogens might help clinicians decide appropriate management strategies.