Cryptosporidium, isospora and strongyloides in AIDS.
BACKGROUND
Diarrhoea is a common presentation in patients with AIDS. It occurs due to a number of parasites which are seldom seen in immunocompetent hosts.


METHODS
Between January 1993 and July 1994, faecal specimens from 77 patients with AIDS presenting with diarrhoea of more than a month's duration were examined by direct wet mount microscopy of saline and iodine preparations and by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain.


RESULTS
Cryptosporidium, Isospora and Strongyloides stercoralis alone or in combination were present in 29 of the 77 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of these parasites highlights their pathogenic potential for immunocompromised patients with AIDS. Diarrhoea due to Isosporais responsive to treatment, hence their identification has therapeutic implications as well.
Lanjewar
D N
DN
Department of Pathology, Grant Medical College, Bombay, Maharashtra, India.
Rodrigues
C
C
Saple
D G
DG
Hira
S K
SK
DuPont
H L
HL
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology*; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007549:Isospora / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013321:Strongyloides / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000962:Antimalarials; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination