Intestinal parasitic infections in different groups of immunocompromised patients in Kashan and Qom cities, central Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with immunocompromising conditions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs in different groups of immunocompromised patients, including hemodialysis patients (HD), renal transplant recipients (RTR), cancer and HIV/AIDS patients in comparison with healthy individuals in two central cities of Iran (Kashan and Qom).

Methods: In this case–control study, the stool samples of 135 HD, 50 RTR, 60 cancer patients, 20 HIV/AIDS patients and 120 healthy subjects were tested using direct-smear, formol-ether concentration, Ziehl–Neelsen staining and Agar plate method.

Results: The overall infection rate was 11.7% (31/265) in patient groups and 0% (0/120) in the control group. The frequency of parasites was 25% in HIV/AIDS patients, 11.9% (16/135) in HD, 12.0% (6/50) in RTR and 6.7% (4/60) in cancer patients. Blastocystis hominis (4.2%) and Giardia lamblia (3.0%) were the most prevalent parasites in patient groups. The infection rate was significantly higher in male (17.6%) than female (5.4%) patients (p = .002), but no statistically significant association was observed according to the age and educational levels.

Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of IPIs in immunocompromised patients. The results of this study suggest that periodic stool examinations for screening of IPIs should be included as a part of routine medical care in these patients.

Keywords:

• Intestinal parasites
• immunocompromised patients
• hemodialysis
• renal transplant recipients
• cancer
• HIV/AIDS

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge to the vice chancellor in research affairs of Kashan University of Medical Science for financial support [grant No. 9328]. The authors would like to thank Mr. Hadi Ahmadi for the help in preparation of some samples.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge to the vice chancellor in research affairs of Kashan University of Medical Science for financial support [grant No. 9328].