Lanjewar D N, Rodrigues C, Saple D G, Hira S K, DuPont H L
Department of Pathology, Grant Medical College, Bombay, Maharashtra, India.
Natl Med J India. 1996 Jan-Feb;9(1):17-9.
Diarrhoea is a common presentation in patients with AIDS. It occurs due to a number of parasites which are seldom seen in immunocompetent hosts.
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.
Cryptosporidium, Isospora and Strongyloides stercoralis alone or in combination were present in 29 of the 77 patients.
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.
