| BRIEF COMMUNICATION |
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| Year : 2014 | Volume
: 57
| Issue : 2 | Page : 272-274 |
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Isosporiasis in a tertiary care center of North India
Neha Gautam1, Sumeeta Khurana1, Aman Sharma2, Rakesh Sehgal1
1 Department of Parasitology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana, India
2 Department of Internal Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana, India
Correspondence Address:
Sumeeta Khurana
Department of Medical Parasitology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0377-4929.134707
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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. |
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