Role of coccidian parasites in causation of diarrhoea in HIV infected patients in Chennai
Kumar, S.S.; Ananthan, S.; Saravanan, P.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 116(1): 85-89
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 Document Number: 250108
Background and objectives: Diarrhoea is one of the major problems of HIV positive patients. A coproparasitological study was carried out to assess the role of coccidian parasites in the causation of diarrhoea in HIV infected patients in Chennai, India. Methods: During May 2000-January 2001, a total of 152 faecal samples from HIV seropositive individuals (43 with acute diarrhoea, 59 with chronic diarrhoea, 50 without diarrhoea) and 50 normal individuals without diarrhoea were examined for enteric coccidian and other intestinal parasites by microscopy and special staining methods. Results: A total of 52 enteric parasites (i.e., 15 from patients with acute diarrhoea, 24 from patients with chronic diarrhoea, 7 from patients infected with HIV without diarrhoea, and 6 from normal individuals without diarrhoea) were detected in 49 patients. Isospora belli was detected in 14 of 102 (13.7%) patients with acute and chronic diarrhoea. Its association with diarrhoea among HIV positive individuals was significant (P<0.001). Cryptosporidium was detected in 7 patients each with acute and chronic diarrhoea and in 4 patients with HIV infection without diarrhoea. However, its association with diarrhoea among HIV patients was found to be not significant in the present study. Cyclospora and Microsporidia each were detected in only one HIV positive patient with chronic diarrhoea. Interpretation and conclusion: The coccidian parasites are one of the more important aetiologic agents of diarrhoea (P<0.001), especially of chronic diarrhoea, among HIV positive patients. I. belli is a frequent enteric parasite associated with diarrhoea among HIV positive patients in Chennai.