DIAGNOSIS OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM IN BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE SPECIMENS OF IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS BY TWO METHODS, ARAK CITY, IRAN

Background and Aim:The various protozoa can be spread to lung and create complications, but the most prominent protozoa that are common in immunodeficient patient include opportunistic parasites such as Toxoplasma, Acanthamoeba, Microsporidia and Cryptosporidium. Considering that in recent years, unusual cases of respiratory infections such as Cryptosporidium have increased in people with immunodeficiency, the need for attention to this type of contamination in people at risk is necessary.Methods:This cross-sectional study was performed on immunocompromised patients including AIDS and cancer patients, recipient transplantation, patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs, undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After confirming the disease by specialists and obtaining informed consent from patients, a sample of pulmonary secretions was prepared through a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) by a specialist. Each sample was examined by direct method (observation of Ziehl Neelson stained BAL smear) and molecular (PCR method).Results:Of the 55 samples, the cryptosporidiosis was confirmed in 9 samples by staining and 4 samples by molecular methods. In other words, PCR method can only detect about half the cases of cryptosporidiosis.Conclusion:Therefore, staining is a suitable method for detecting cryptosporidium in BAL samples.

Keywords:

BAL sample , Cryptosporidium , Immunocompromised patient , Lung , PCR