Molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in HIV/AIDS patients in Malaysia
- Author:
Asma Iqbal
;
Sim, B.L.H.
;
Brent R. Dixon
;
Johari Surin
;
Yvonne AL Lim
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2015;32(2):310-322
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Cryptosporidiosis is a particular concern in immunocompromised individuals where
symptoms may be severe. The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiological and
molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium infections in HIV/AIDS patients in Malaysia in
order to identify risk factors and facilitate control measures. A modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid
fast staining method was used to test for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in the
stools of 346 HIV/AIDS patients in Malaysia. Standard coproscopical methods were used to
identify infections with other protozoan or helminths parasites. To identify the species of
Cryptosporidium, DNA was extracted and nested-PCR was used to amplify a portion of the
SSU rRNA gene. A total of 43 (12.4%) HIV-infected patients were found to be infected with
Cryptosporidium spp. Of the 43 Cryptosporidium-positive HIV patients, 10 (23.3%) also
harboured other protozoa, and 15 (34.9%) had both protozoa and helminths. The highest rates
of cryptosporidiosis were found in adult males of Malay background, intravenous drug users,
and those with low CD4 T cell counts (i.e., < 200 cells/mm3). Most were asymptomatic and
had concurrent opportunistic infections mainly with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. DNA
sequence analysis of 32 Cryptosporidium isolates identified C. parvum (84.3%), C. hominis
(6.3%), C. meleagridis (6.3%), and C. felis (3.1%). The results of the present study revealed a
high prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in hospitalized HIV/AIDS patients. The results
also confirmed the potential significance of zoonotic transmission of C. parvum in HIVinfected
patients, as it was the predominant species found in this study. However, these
patients were found to be susceptible to a wide range of Cryptosporidium species.
Epidemiological and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates provides
clinicians and researchers with further information regarding the origin of the infection, and
may enhance treatment and control strategies.
- Full text:W020150709329693756910.pdf
