The role of coccidian parasites in the pathogenesis of watery diarrhea was studied among children with protein energy malnutrition (PEM), immunocompromised due to causes other than PEM and immunocompetent diarrheic of matched age and sex, as controls. The results showed that the prevalence of infection was 15.48%, Cryptosporidium was the most prevalent and showed 14.19% (18.3%, 17.5% and 7.3% in PEM, immunocompromised and immunocompetent cases respectively). Cyclospora oocysts were detected only among 2 cases (1.29%) of PEM group. Isospora oocysts were not detected in any of the studied groups. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen (Z.N.) technique was found to be the most reliable technique for identification of coccidian protozoa infection in stool. Giardia lamblia cysts were found in 10.97% and Entamoeba histolytica in 5.16% of cases. Mixed infection (G. lamblia and E. histolytica) was found in 2.58% of the cases. The duration of diarrhoea was more prolonged in Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora infections among PEM and immunocompromised cases. Cryptosporidium is one of the important casuses of watery diarrhoea in infants and children in PEM and immunocompromised patients. Therefore, it is indicated to use modified Z.N. technique as a routine test for stool examination and immunocompromised patients must avoid contaminated water.
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Clin Med (Lond)
January 2024
Associate Professor of Clinical Infection, Institute for Global Health, University College London.
While rare, the likelihood of encountering a case of a pulmonary endemic mycosis (PEM) in the UK is increasing. Diagnosis may be challenging, often leading to considerable delay to appropriate treatment. Clinical suspicion must be present for respiratory disease, particularly in the immunocompromised or in those not responding to empiric treatment approaches, and an extended travel history should be obtained.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2023
Bioscience Research Institute, Technical University Shannon Midlands Midwest, N37 HD68 Athlone, Ireland.
Fungal pathogens cause significant human morbidity and mortality globally, where there is a propensity to infect vulnerable people such as the immunocompromised ones. There is increasing evidence of resistance to antifungal drugs, which has significant implications for cutaneous, invasive and bloodstream infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) published a priority list of fungal pathogens in October 2022, thus, highlighting that a crisis point has been reached where there is a pressing need to address the solutions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Total Environ
December 2022
Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland; Centre for Decontamination, Sterilization and Biosecurity, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland; Empower Eco Sustainability Hub, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland. Electronic address:
Fungal pathogens contribute to significant disease burden globally; however, the fact that fungi are eukaryotes has greatly complicated their role in fungal-mediated infections and alleviation. Antifungal drugs are often toxic to host cells and there is increasing evidence of adaptive resistance in animals and humans. Existing fungal diagnostic and treatment regimens have limitations that has contributed to the alarming high mortality rates and prolonged morbidity seen in immunocompromised cohorts caused by opportunistic invasive infections as evidenced during HIV and COVID-19 pandemics.
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September 2021
Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital and University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Cancer Control
February 2021
Department of Internal Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted the reorganization in the scheduling and method of care for many patients, including patients diagnosed with cancer. Cancer patients, who have an immunocompromised status, may be at a higher risk of severe symptoms from infection with COVID-19. While information is rapidly evolving regarding COVID-19, Canada, both nationally and provincially, has been conveying new information to patients online.
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