The Role Of Cryptosporidium Parvum In Diarrhea In Certain Immunocompetent And Immunocompromised Subjects

Cryptosporidium parvum is a coccidian parasite with worldwide distributions that has been implicated as a causative agent of diarrhea in human . In lmmunologicaly normal persons, Cryptosporidium generally causes a spontaneously resolving illness. In those immunologically deficient persons, it can cause life threatening diarrhea. This parasite is an opportunistic parasite and inhabitate mainly in the periphery of small intestine so the most important feature ofits infestation is diarrhea, Also it can invade liver, gall bladder, respiratory system.pancreas and stomach. The parasite is transmitted by feco-oral route and there is no specific antimicrobial therapy untill now.* The present work was a trial to find out the relationship between Cryptosporidium parvum infection and diarrhea to some immunocompetent and immunocompromised categories of patients.* The individuals included in this study were divided into 7 groups each group consisted of 15 persons, The groups were classified as:l-Control group.Il-Diarrhea in healthy patients.IlI- Diarrhea in compensated liver cirrhosis.IV- Diarrhea in hepatoma.V- Diarrhea in decompensated liver cirrhosis.VI- Diarrhea in renal failure.VlI-Diarrhea in renal transplantation patients.All persons of the study (105) were subjected to the following;16 Thurough history taking.2- Complete physical examination.36 Routine laboratory investigations(Complete blood count-liver function tests-Kidney function tests-Serum electrolytes-Bilharzial antibody titre-Hepatic virus markers- Alpha feto-protien in cases of hepatoma).4- Abdominal ultrasound.5-Stool samples: were examined for;a- Detection of any parasite by direct wet smears and formal ether sedimentation technique.b 6 Detection of Cryptosporidium Parvum oocysts using Modified Ziehl Neelsen stain.6- Blood samples: for separation of sera to perform ELIZA (IgG &lgM).