Aetiology of hospital-acquired diarrhoea in under-five children from an urban hospital in East Delhi, India.

Background & objectives: Majority of the studies of hospital-acquired diarrhoea conducted in Western countries have focused on the detection of Clostridium difficile in stool samples. Limited Asian and Indian literature is available on hospital-acquired diarrhoea. This study was aimed to describe the aetiological profile for hospital-acquired diarrhoea in children aged below five years. Methods: One hundred children aged one month to five years who developed diarrhoea (≥3 loose stools for >12 h) after hospitalization for at least 72 h were enrolled. Children who were prescribed purgatives or undergoing procedures such as enema and endoscopy or those with underlying chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease were excluded from the study. Stool samples from the enrolled children were subjected to routine microscopic examination, modified Ziel-Nielson (ZN) staining for Cryptosporidium and culture for various enteropathogens. Multiplex PCR was used to identify the strains of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli. Rotavirus detection was done using rapid antigen kit. Toxins (A and B) of C. difficile were detected using enzyme immunoassay. Results: Of the 100 samples of hospital-acquired diarrhoea analysed, diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) was found to be the most common organism, detected in 37 per cent of cases (enteropathogenic E. coli-18%, enterotoxigenic E. coli-8%, enteroaggregative E. coli-4% and mixed infections-7%). Cryptosporidium was detected in 10 per cent of cases. Rotavirus was detected in six per cent and C. difficile in four per cent of cases. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the aetiological profile of hospital-acquired diarrhoea appears to be similar to that of community-acquired diarrhoea, with DEC and Cryptosporidium being the most common causes. The efforts for the prevention and management of hospital-acquired diarrhoea should, thus, be directed towards these organisms.

Aetiology and outcome of acute diarrhoea in children with severe acute malnutrition: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the microbiological profile, clinical course and outcome of acute diarrhoea in children aged <5 years having severe acute malnutrition (SAM) with those of children having normal nutritional status. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. SETTING: Tertiary-care hospital catering mainly to the urban poor of East Delhi, India. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged <5 years (n 140; seventy with SAM (cases) and seventy with normal anthropometry (controls)) with acute diarrhoea (duration < 14 d). Stool samples were collected for conventional culture, microscopy, acid-fast staining, rotavirus and Cryptosporidium antigen detection, and subtyping of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC). We followed-up these children for persistent diarrhoea and subsequent diarrhoeal episode in the next 3 months. RESULTS: Rotavirus was detected in six (9 %) cases and in fifteen (21 %) controls (P = 0·03; OR = 0·34; 95 % CI 0·12, 0·94). DEC was isolated significantly more in cases compared with controls (93 v. 64 %; P < 0·001; OR = 7·25; 95 % CI 2·57, 20·4). Cryptosporidium was detected in seven (10 %) cases and five (7 %) controls. Total duration of diarrhoea and percentage change in weight after resolution of diarrhoea were comparable between cases and controls. At 3-month follow-up, number of subsequent episodes of diarrhoea and persistent diarrhoea were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Rotavirus was found significantly less frequently, whereas DEC was detected more frequently in children with SAM in comparison to non-malnourished children. To further reduce diarrhoea-related mortality, preventive and therapeutic interventions need to be designed against organisms causing diarrhoea in children with SAM.

Pragmatic Combination of Available Diagnostic Tools for Optimal Detection of Intestinal Microsporidia.

Diarrhea is a debilitating condition in HIV infected individuals and with the finding that almost 1/4 cases of diarrhea in HIV are due to microsporidia, there is a dire need to institute measures for its detection on a regular basis. Keeping this in mind the study aims to determine the burden of intestinal microsporidiosis in HIV seropositive patients presenting with and without diarrhea and to compare the ability of microscopy and PCR in its detection.The study group consisted of 120 patients divided into four groups HIV seropositive with/without diarrhea, and HIV seronegative with/without diarrhea. Performance of four staining techniques including Modified Trichrome, Calcofluor White, Gram Chromotrope and Quick hot Gram Chromotrope stains were evaluated against PCR in diagnosing enteric microsporidiosis from stool samples.Overall prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis was 10.83%. The same for HIV seropositive patients with diarrhea was 23.33%, HIV seropositive patients without diarrhea and in immune-competent hosts with diarrhea was 10% each. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was found to predominate. Calcofluor white stain detected maximum microsporidia in stool samples (76.92%), followed by Modified Trichrome stain (61.5%), PCR (46.15%) and Gram Chromotrope and Quick hot Gram Chromotrope stains (38.4% each). PCR exhibited the best performance with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Our data suggests screening of stool samples with either Modified Trichrome or Calcofluor white stain followed by PCR confirmation thus leading to maximum detection along with speciation for complete cure.

Burden of Chronic Dermatophytosis in a Tertiary Care Hospital: Interaction of Fungal Virulence and Host Immunity.

Dermatophytosis is caused by keratinophilic dermatophytes and affects the superficial skin and its appendages. The nature of infection and response to treatment is influenced by host-pathogen factors like duration and severity of disease, prior drug history and type of causative organism. In our study, the burden of dermatophytosis affecting glabrous skin saw a rise in recalcitrant and reinfection cases with only 1.6% achieving complete cure. Chronicity of dermatophytic infection was reflected in the high serum IgE levels and immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Hence, it becomes pertinent for clinicians to identify the non-responders and modify therapy to achieve clinical cure with fungal clearance confirmed by mycological tools.

Typical & atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in diarrhoea & their role as carrier in children under five.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Multidrug-resistant enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is responsible for a large number of cases of infantile diarrhoea in developing countries, causing failure in treatment with consequent health burden and resulting in a large number of deaths every year. This study was undertaken to determine the proportion of typical and atypical EPEC in under five children with diarrhoea and controls, their function as a carriage and to identify virulent genes associated with them. METHODS: During the study period, 120 stool samples including 80 from controls children were collected and analyzed for the presence of EPEC using standard bacteriological methods. Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial testing by disc diffusion method. Isolates confirmed as E. coli by phenotypic method were further tested for the presence of attaching and effacing (eae) and bundle-forming pilus (bfpA) genes by real-time SYBR Green-based polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: All isolates were tested for the presence of EPEC. The frequency of typical EPEC was 20 and 16.25 per cent whereas the frequency of atypical EPEC strains was 5 and 23.75 per cent in patients and controls, respectively (PbfpA was seen in 45 and 18.75 per cent isolates of diarrhoeal patients and controls, respectively. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that typical EPEC was a common cause of diarrhoea, but at the same time, atypical EPEC was emerging as colonizers in the intestine of children with and without diarrhoea in and around Delhi. Children can be considered asymptomatic carriers of these pathogens and can transmit them to other susceptible children. Adequate steps need to be taken to stop these strains from developing and spreading further.

Possible Role of Trichophytin Antigen in Inducing Impaired Immunological Clearance of Fungus in Onychomycosis.

The immunology of onychomycosis is poorly understood. Th1 and Th17 are the principal effector cells responsible for protective immunity against fungi, while it is assumed that Th2 responses are associated with deleterious effects. The study was conducted to appraise the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) in onychomycosis patients and to study skin reactivity to trichophytin antigen in them. Serum samples of 60 cases of chronic onychomycosis and 30 healthy controls were assayed for serum IgE, IL-6 and TGF-ß levels using specific immunoassay kits; 0.01 ml of trichophytin antigen, Candida antigen and phosphate-buffered saline using separate syringes were injected intradermal at three independent sites of the forearm in cases and controls. Serum IL-6 levels were significantly lower in cases as compared to controls, while serum TGF-ß levels in both cases and controls were comparable. Serum IgE levels in cases were significantly higher when compared with controls. Thirty-eight patients showed immediate hypersensitivity response to trichophytin antigen, while none showed delayed hypersensitivity reaction to trichophytin antigen. Constant fungal antigenic stimuli induce a state of anergy as indicated by low serum IL-6 levels and the absence of delayed hypersensitivity reaction to trichophytin antigen in cases, leading to chronicity of infection. High total IgE may indicate a high probability of prior fungal sensitization.

Vaccines for fungal infections.

High morbidity and mortality caused by mycotic infections has been a cause for concern. Trials for various vaccines against fungal pathogens have not been approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration because of the high cost of production and lack of a single suitable candidate. Most fungal infections require cell-mediated immunity for their clearance. This has been the basis for the development of various vaccines. We discuss the various trials of candidate vaccines, the protective efficacy as well as their shortcomings. Recent research suggests that a universal vaccine can be prepared which may be effective against most fungal pathogens.

National TB elimination programme - What has changed.

BACKGROUND: Before the start of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, TB was the leading cause of death due to a single infectious agent, ranking well above HIV/AIDS. Almost one-fourth of the world's population is infected with M. tuberculosis. TB is curable and preventable. About 85% of people who develop TB can be successfully treated with drug regimens of 6 months. Universal health coverage (UHC) is necessary to ensure that all those with the disease can access these treatments. Research breakthroughs (e.g., newer rapid diagnostic techniques, drugs, newer vaccine) are needed to rapidly reduce the number of new cases each year (TB incidence) worldwide. OBJECTIVE: Changes in the National TB Elimination Programme since its inception. CONTENT: The Government of India launched the "National TB Programme" in 1962 as District TB Centre model involved with BCG vaccination and TB treatment to fight tuberculosis, a major public health problem. The tuberculosis control programme has come a long way since then and has undergone major changes over the past few years The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has developed the "National Strategic Plan" for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017-25) which encapsulates the bold and innovative steps required to eliminate TB in India by 2025, five years ahead of the global targets. By 2020 it was clear that the NSP- 2017-25 will not be able to meet these objectives, so another new NSP India 2025 had been launched in 2020. India has been actively involved in TB control activities for more than 50 years now. TB still continues to be a severe health problem in India. The country is now better prepared to tackle TB than before. It now has advanced and effective interventions and technologies for diagnosis, treatment and care of TB cases.

Are we missing the silver lining of COVID-19 pandemic: An analytical study to determine effects of three COVID-19 peaks on antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolates.

Background: Given the evolving nature of COVID-19, for better understanding of its effect on antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), it becomes crucial that we follow the resistance patterns across different surges of COVID-19 cases. Methods: This prospective surveillance study extended over two years from January 2020-March 2022 and was conducted in a healthcare center of North India. Susceptibility patterns of Staphylococcus aureus during January-March 2020 were considered as prepandemic patterns. Processing of clinical specimens, identification of S. aureus, and in-vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed in accordance with standard microbiological testing procedures and Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. Results: Lowest prevalence (38.9%) of Methicillinresistant S. aureus was reported during January-March 2021 and July-September 2021. More than 50% S. aureus isolates were susceptible to linezolid, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, and gentamicin in January-March 2020. In January-March 2021, ≥50% of S. aureus isolates from clinical specimens were additionally susceptible to clindamycin and erythromycin. Antibiotic agents of linezolid, tetracycline, clindamycin, and cotrimoxazole were susceptible in ≥50% of S. aureus isolates in January-March 2022. Conclusions: This study reveals a sharp decline in overall resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotic agents for S. aureus isolates after first peak of COVID-19 cases. However, same trend was not observed in subsequent peaks and probably we are approaching the same resistance levels that were seen prior to COVID-19 pandemic.

Predictors of Candidemia during Febrile Episode in Lymphoreticular Malignancy Affecting Paediatric Population.

Limited studies on candidemia in malignancy in the paediatric population from developing countries show a high incidence, high morbidity and a unique epidemiology as compared to developed nations. Our prospective observational study aimed to explore the prevalence of invasive candidiasis, especially candidemia, in febrile paediatric patients with lymphoreticular malignancy. A sample size of 49 children, with 100 recorded febrile episodes was studied. The relevance of candida colonization and mannan antigen detection as indicators of impending candidemia was evaluated. Genotypic identification of the yeast isolates was followed by sequence analysis using the NCBI-BLAST program, and the generation of the phylogenetic tree using MEGA 6.0 software. We observed a 5% prevalence of candidemia among febrile paediatric patients with lymphoreticular malignancy, predominantly caused by non-albicans candida. Colonization at multiple anatomical sites decreased from day 1 to day 8 of febrile episodes. Significant candida colonization (colonization index ≥0.5) was seen in a larger proportion of candidemia patients on day 1 and day 4 (p < 0.001) displaying a definite association between the two. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for mannan antigen level revealed a cut-off of ≥104.667 pg/mL, suitable for predicting candidemia with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 92% and area under ROC value of 0.958 (95% CI: 0.915-1; p < 0.001). A phylogenetic tree with three population groups, clade 1, 2 and 3, consisting of Candida auris (1), Candida tropicalis (2) and Candida parapsilosis (2), respectively, was generated. The diagnosis of candidemia based on mannan antigen detection gives early results and has high negative predictive values. It can be combined with other biomarkers to increase sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value.

Study of Cell Viability and Etiology of Contamination in Decalcified Bone Allograft: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Bone allografts can elicit immune responses which is correlated with the presence of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) and cellular DNA. It also has risk of causing occult infection arising out of contamination during its processing and storage. The presence of immunogenic materials like cells, cellular remnants and DNA in a decalcified bone allograft during different phases of processing has never been studied. Present study was conducted to explore- the cell viability using routine Hematoxylin and Eosin, presence of DNA using Feulgen staining and etiology of contamination in decalcified bone allograft during procurement, demineralization and ethanol preservation. METHODS: The harvested bones from patients undergoing hemireplacement/THR/TKR were processed to prepare decalcified bone allografts. The samples during procurement (A), HCL treatment (B) and ethanol preservation (C) were sent for histopathological analysis (number of osteocytes in the maximum density field under 40x and the cells demonstrating presence of DNA on feulgen stain) and microbiological assessment (aerobic/anaerobic/fungal cultures). RESULTS: Histopathological study demonstrated the presence of osteocytes and other cells like bone marrow, adipocytes, endothelial cells in the decal bone allograft. The average number of osteocytes gradually decreased from 55.47, 9.6, 0.86 in sample A, B, C, respectively. Feulgen staining confirmed the presence of DNA in osteocytes and other cells which decreased both qualitatively and quantitatively in subsequent stages of processing. Rate of contamination demonstrated at the procurement was 6.67% (Staphylococcus aureus). After treatment with HCl (demineralisation), 7.14% of non-contaminated allografts were found contaminated (Staphylococcus epidermidis). None of the remaining 13 non-contaminated allografts showed contamination after storage in ethanol. Overall 13% of the patients had positive cultures on microbiological assessment. CONCLUSION: The population of osteocytes in the harvested bone reduced significantly after processing with HCl and ethanol preservation. Presence of DNA, demonstrated by using Feulgen staining, was observed in bone marrow cells, adipocytes along with osteocytes which showed quantitative reduction on processing. Hence, antigenicity, conferred by cells and their DNA, reduced significantly after processing of decal bone. Contamination rate of banked decalcified allograft was 13%. Thus, culture and sensitivity tests should be carried out at each step of processing of decal bone allograft.

Nasal rhinosporidiosis in humans: new interpretations and a review of the literature of this enigmatic disease.

Rhinosporidiosis is a disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi which primarily affects the mucosa of the nose, conjunctiva and urethra. While it is endemic in some Asian regions, isolated cases are reported in other parts of the world as a result of the socio-cultural phenomenon of the migration. Its manifestation is a polypoid mass growing inside the affected cavity and the only treatment is surgical excision. Rhinosporidiosis is a condition which both clinicians and microbiologists should keep in mind when managing patients with nasal masses even those from non endemic areas. It is critical in such cases to follow the clinical course to ensure against recurrence of the disease. This study describes the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of rhinosporidiosis of the nose and nasopharynx in a series of three cases in East Delhi, India.

Mumps Antibody Titer in MMR-Vaccinated and Vaccine Naïve Children at a Public Hospital in Delhi.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mumps antibody titers in Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)-vaccinated and vaccine naive children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary-care public hospital in Delhi from November, 2016 to April, 2018 among 78 healthy children (aged 16 month-12 years) attending the pediatric outpatient department. Serum IgG and IgM rubella antibodies were measured by ELISA for confirmation of MMR vaccination status. Qualitative determination of IgG mumps was done followed by quantitative determination in samples positive for IgG mumps antibodies. RESULTS: IgG mumps was present in 69.2% of study population, with seroprotective titers in 32% taking endpoint titer as 1:4. Among MMR vaccinated children, 41.1% were sero-protected and in MMR vaccine naïve children 9.1% were seroprotected for mumps. CONCLUSION: Single dose of MMR vaccine does not provide effective (>90%) sero-conversion required for successful herd immunity to prevent mumps outbreak.

Oral health status and microbial load of Streptococcus mutans in children with Cerebral palsy in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a childhood debilitating condition which impairs the physical and mental ability of an individual to maintain oral health. AIM: The objective of the present study was assessment of dental neglect and burden of treatment needs of children affected with CP as compared to normal children in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A sample size of 104 children of age group of 6-14 years was selected, in which 52 children of CP (case group) and 52 normal school children (control group) were recruited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children from both groups were examined, and calculation of drug master files (DMFS), defs, oral hygiene index (OHI), and gingival index was done. The presence of trauma and malocclusion was assessed. Present caries activity was assessed by the level of Streptococcus mutans present in saliva in both groups. Treatment needs were then assessed based on intraoral findings. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software. Student's t-test and nonparametric statistical tests such as Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test were used as per the nature of variables studied for statistical analysis with the level of significance denoted at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean DMFS, gingival index, OHI, and treatment needs were observed to be higher in the CP group. Increased S. mutans levels were observed in saliva of CP patients. Defs score, trauma, and malocclusion were not statistically significantly higher in CP group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Cerebral palsy group had a poor oral and gingival health, a higher DMFT and burden of treatment needs and an increased risk of further caries progression due to high caries activity indicated by increased level of salivary Streptococcus mutans than the control group.

Clinico-radiological profile of the patients with empyema thoracis: A prospective analytical study.

BACKGROUND: Empyema thoracis is defined as the presence of pus in the pleural cavity and carries significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the demographic and clinico-radiological characteristics of patients with empyema thoracis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India. The patients diagnosed with empyema thoracis were included in the study. Demographic, etiologic, clinical, radiographic, and outcome data were prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 48 patients. The median age of empyema thoracis patients was 37(IQR 26-45) years. Common presenting symptoms were breathlessness (n = 37,77%) and chest pain (n = 34,70%). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the chest showed type III empyema in 52% (21) patients followed by type 1 and type II in 25% and 22%, respectively. CECT thorax showed the collapse of lung and consolidation in (n = 28, 70%) and (n = 24, 60%) patients, respectively. All the patients, except for one, were managed with underwater seal intercostal tube drainage (ICD) procedure for the management of empyema. The median time to remove the ICD tube among 35 patients was 14 (IQR 9-21) days. Forty patients (83.3%) responded to the treatment and were discharged. Eight patients (16.7%) deteriorated and succumbed to the disease. CONCLUSION: Patients of empyema thoracis required a prolonged period of chest tube drainage and carried significant morbidity and mortality.

Typical and atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in children with acute diarrhoea: Changing trend in East Delhi.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide around 2 million deaths occur every year due to diarrhoeal illnesses among children less than 5 years of age. Among diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli, Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) is highly prevalent in both community and hospital settings and is one of the main causes of persistent diarrhea in children in developing countries. EPEC remains underdiagnosed in India due to lack of conventional tools for identification. METHODS: We in this study investigated the prevalence and regional variation of EPEC in paediatric population suffering from diarrhoea in East Delhi, India. Two hundred stool samples were collected from children, aged between 0.5 and 5 years, with acute diarrhoea. E. coli were identified by conventional tests and PCR. RESULTS: We observed 7% atypical EPEC (aEPEC) and 2.5% typical EPEC (tEPEC), with an overall 9.5% EPEC prevalence amongst total samples. E. coli phylogenetic group A was the predominant. The most common age group affected was 6-23 months with common symptoms being vomiting, watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration. High drug resistance pattern was observed in EPEC isolates. CONCLUSION: The study depicts a changing trend of aEPEC over tEPEC in children less than 5 years with diarrhoea, an emerging drug resistant enteropathogen and a public health concern demanding monitoring and surveillance.

Acremonium species: a review of the etiological agents of emerging hyalohyphomycosis.

Unusual fungal agents that exist environmentally as saprophytes can often lead to opportunistic infections. Hyalohyphomycosis is a group of fungal infections caused by fungi characterized by hyaline septate hyphae and can infect both immunocompetent as well as immunocompromised patients. Many a times it becomes difficult to distinguish a pathogenic and a contaminant fungus, because many such agents can assume clinical significance depending on circumstances. Subcutaneous and invasive fungal infection due to the emerging hyalohyphomycotic fungus, Acremonium, has drawn the attention of clinicians and microbiologists, as a potential pathogen in patients with and without underlying risk factors. Generally considered to be minimally invasive in the past, genus Acremonium has been responsible for eumycotic mycetomas and focal infections in otherwise healthy individuals. It has also been increasingly implicated in systemic fungal diseases. The management with different antifungals in various clinical situations has been very conflicting and hence needs to be carefully evaluated. This overview is an endeavor to consolidate the available clinical infections due to Acremonium and the recommendations on treatment.

A hospital-based study on the prevalence of trichomoniasis and evaluation of accuracy of various diagnostic techniques.

BACKGROUND: The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased risk of HIV transmission. Trichomoniasis remains underreported despite being easy to diagnose and treat. Moreover, availability of battery of diagnostic tools causes dilemma on the most appropriate techniques to be used. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis and its diagnostic accuracy employing various diagnostic techniques in women presenting with vaginal discharge in gynecological outpatient department (GOPD) of our tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five vaginal swabs were collected from 204 patients with symptomatic vaginal discharge attending GOPD. Wet mount microscopy, Giemsa and acridine orange staining, culture in Kupferberg media and InPouch™ TV culture system, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed and compared. RESULTS: The prevalence of T. vaginalis was 1.96% in the present study. Wet mount microscopy, staining method, and culture detected 1.96% of cases, whereas PCR detected 2.45% of cases. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of T. vaginalis was <3% among symptomatic vaginal discharge patients from GOPD. Although PCR had a higher detection rate, there was no significant difference in sensitivity and specificity between other diagnostic methods (direct wet mount, Giemsa/acridine orange staining, and InPouch™ TV culture system). Hence, the availability in a particular setting would determine the methods of choice to be used for the diagnosis of T. vaginalis.

Prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in symptomatic immunocompetent children and comparative evaluation of its diagnosis by Ziehl-Neelsen staining and antigen detection techniques.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidia is a major pathogen causing diarrhoea and with increasing morbidity and mortality. As persistent diarrhoea from intestinal cryptosporidiosis leads to increased susceptibility to recurrent diarrheal episodes further leading to chronic nutritional and cognitive sequelae or even death, diagnosis is important. Most of the studies done on Cryptosporidium worldwide have focused on immunocompromised patients which have led to a paucity of data on its prevalence among immunocompetent people. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Keeping these facts in mind the present study was aimed to estimate prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent children, and do a comparative evaluation of its detection by microscopy with antigen detection methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 80 immunocompetent children (40 OPD children presenting with diarrhea and 40 children hospitalized for diarrhea) upto age of 5 years were studies and their stool samples were compared by microscopy by mZN with copro-antigen detection methods (using rapid ICT and ELISA) for the diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis. RESULTS: A Cryptosporidium prevalence rate of 22.5% was detected in the immunocompetent children upto 5 years of age. Microscopy remained the preferred method of diagnosis for Cryptosporidium being a more sensitive test and considering it's low cost in resource poor settings. Moderate agreement between mZN and ELISA in Cohen's kappa test shows that either of the tests can be used for diagnosis of Cryptosporidium from fecal sample. ELISA is time-saving method but ELISA and rapid antigen tests should not be used as the sole method of diagnosis. Keeping in view the ICT kit used in this study is species specific, and the species identification was not carried out in the present study, hence genus specific kits may be useful for diagnosis in such settings. CONCLUSION: Microscopy remains the preferred method of diagnosis for Cryptosporidium having good sensitivity and specificity and considering it's low cost in resource poor settings. ELISA is time-saving method but ELISA and rapid antigen tests should not be used as the sole method of diagnosis.