CRYPTOSPORIDIUM, ISOSPORA AND STRONGYLOIDES IN AIDS

Background; Diarrhoea isa common presentation in patients with AIDS. I t occurs due to a number of parasites which ate seldom seen in immunoc ompetent hosts. Methods. Between January 1993 and July 1994, faecal sp ecimens from 77 patients with AIDS presenting with diarrhoea of more t han a month's duration were examined by direct wet mount microscopy of saline and iodine preparations and by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen stai n. Results. Cryptosporidium, Isospora and Strongyloides stercoralis al one or in combination were present in 29 of the 77 patients. Conclusio n. The presence of these parasites highlights their pathogenic potenti al for immunocompromised patients with AIDS. Diarrhoea due to Isospora is responsive to treatment, hence their identification has therapeuti c implications as well.