Detection of in stool samples of immunocompromised patients.

INTRODUCTION

species is the most common opportunistic enteric parasite encountered in the immunocompromised patients. Considering the need to diagnose them early relies mostly on rapid tests such as antigen detection by immunochromatographic test (ICT), ELISA, and microscopy. However, the sensitivity and specificity varies with different methods and different kits used. This study was conducted to determine the intestinal parasitic profile in immunocompromised patients and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the ICT using ImmunoCard STAT kit in detecting spp.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients in this study were divided into two groups: one group was immunocompromised patients ( = 73) and the other was nonimmunocompromised individuals ( = 73). Stool microscopy, ICT, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were carried out for all stool samples.

RESULTS

Totally, 4 (5.4%) of 73 patients of the study group were positive for . The species detected were and . PCR was taken as gold standard in the current study. PCR detected in four samples while ICT in two samples and microscopy in one sample.

CONCLUSION

was found to be the most common enteric parasite in the immunocompromised patients studied, followed by , , and . Although the ICT is a rapid test, it was less sensitive and more expensive in comparison to the PCR; hence, its utility appears to be limited in our setting.