Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Method Research Articles

Comparison of Immunochromatographic Test and Microscopy in the Detection of Some Enteric Protozoa in Stool Samples

Infection with pathogenic intestinal protozoa. as Giardia lamblia,, Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium parvum cause considerable gastrointestinal morbidity, malnutrition and mortality worldwide, especially among young children in developing countries. The present study was carried out on 71 cases (44 males & 27 females) chosen from Pediatric and Internal Medicine Inpatient and Outpatient Clinics of Zagazig University Hospitals, complaining of different gastrointestinal troubles with an age range of 6-60 years. Also, 20 apparently healthy individuals (11 males & 9 females) cross matched were considered as a control negative group. All stool samples were examined by direct wet smears, concentration techniques, staining of the smears using trichrome stain and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. Copro-antigen detection in faecal sample was by using quick immunochromatographic test. A total of 71 cases suffering from different GIT manifestations showed G. lamblia (30.7%), Cryptosporidium parvum (19.8%), EntamoebahistolyticalE. dispar (11%) and mixed infection of three protozoa (6.6%). However, by copro-antigen G. lamblia was positive in (31.8%) of C. parvum in (20.9%); E. histolytica/E. dispar in (11%) of cases. Immunochromatography/copro-antigen test recorded sensitivity and spec- ificity of (100%) and (96.6%) respectively in G. lamblia detection. For C. parvum, sensitivity was (100%) and specificity was (97.1%) while for E. histolytica/E. dispar. sensitivity and specificity were (100%) for both. Immunochromatographic assay proved to be simple, easy and useful in confirming absence or the presence of intestinal protozoan infection in clinically suspected cases with negative stool examination.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection and related risk factors in children in Awo and Iragberi, Nigeria

ABSTRACTCryptosporidiosis is an important major cause of enteric parasitic infection among infants and children in developing countries with morbidity and mortality especially among immune- deficient individuals. Poor performance of traditional diagnostic procedures in many laboratories can resulted in misdiagnosis and mistreatment, thereby probably promotes drug resistance. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of enteric Cryptosporidiosis in children attending primary health centers in Egbedore local government area of Osun State, Nigeria between July–December 2014. Informed consent questionnaires were administered to collect demographic data and a total of 180 stool samples were collected to detect Cryptosporidium oocyst and antigen using Modified Ziehl Neelsen (MZN) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods, respectively. Prevalence of 38.3% (72/188) and 46.8% (88/188) was obtained by MZN and ELISA, respectively. The prevalence was higher in children between 1–2.5 years and lower in children above 2.5 years. There was significant association between diarrhea and prevalence rate (P = 0.006; P < 0.05) for ELISA and ZN, respectively. The present results show that cryptosporidiosis poses a public health challenge in children found in Egbedore. This study also warrants intensified effort towards awareness of the disease and proper diagnosis is needed most especially among immunocompromised individuals.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients in Ilorin, Nigeria

BackgroundHuman immune-deficiency virus/acquired immune-deficiency syndrome predisposes to opportunistic parasitic infestations of the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in newly diagnosed treatment naïve HIV/AIDS patients. MethodsThis hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2010 to June 2011. Questionnaires were administered to 238 HIV/AIDS subjects, and 238 age and sex-matched controls. CD4+ T cell count was carried out on HIV-positive subjects. Stool samples were examined using direct microscopic and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods. Positivity of intestinal parasites was taken as the presence of worms, oocyst, cyst, ova or larvae in the stool samples. ResultsNinety males and 148 females were studied for the HIV-positive and HIV-negative controls respectively. Intestinal parasitic infestation in HIV-positive subjects was 68.5%, and was significantly higher than in the HIV-negative controls 49.2% (P<0.05). In HIV-positive subjects, Cryptosporidium spp. was the commonest (55.0%) parasite isolated. Others were Cyclospora cayetanensis (41.2%), Isospora belli (3.0%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.4%), Giardia lamblia (3.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.5%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.7%), Trichuris trichiura (0.8%) and Schistosoma mansoni (0.4%). HIV-positive patients with CD4+ T cell count of less than 200 cells/ul were more at risk of opportunistic parasites compared to the HIV-negative controls. ConclusionThe prevalence of intestinal parasites in newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS individuals was high, and its association with CD4+ T cell count was demonstrated. Routine screening for parasitic infestations at diagnosis is indicated to reduce the burden of the disease.

Cystoisospora spp., Contaminated Soil: The Potential Risk of Infection for the Public in the West of Iran

Cystoisospora spp., formerly known as Isospora spp., are coccidian parasitic protozoan with several species infecting a wide variety of organisms such as humans, felines and canines. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of Cystoisospora spp. oocystsin the soil collected from Kermanshah city, the west of Iran. One hundred and ninety-two soil samples were collected from six regions of Kermanshah city, including two regions in the city center as well as one region in each of the east, south, north and west regions. Regarding that this study was first of its kind in this region, the sampling method was according to judgmental sampling. Overall, from each region, 32 soil samples were collected, 16 of which were obtained from public parks and 16 other ones from primary schools. The Cystoisospora spp. oocysts were isolated from soil samples using the flotation method, then stained temporarily and permanently with Lugol’s solution and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods, respectively, and examined under a light microscope. Out of 192 soil samples, 15 (7.8 %) cases were infected withCystoisospora spp. oocysts. In the public parks, the highest prevalence of oocysts was observed in the center 1 and the south regions, both with 12.5% prevalence. Moreover, in the primary school regions, the highest prevalence was observed in the center 2 (18.75 %) region followed by the east and west (both 12.5 %) regions. The findings of the present study revealed the potential of Cystoisospora spp. transmission in the west of Iran, and that the contamination of soil in primary schools was higher than public parks.

Prevalent Parasitosis in Beef and Dairy Cattle Farms in Vidzeme Region

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the beef and dairy cow parasitosis epizootic situation in Vidzeme region. Research was done throughout Vidzeme territory during the period of the years 2013-2014. The total number of animals examined was: 273 dairy and 90 young beef cattle aged from 6 months to two years and 248 dairy and 29 beef cows older than two years. For the diagnosis of helminthes standardized ovoscopic and larvoscopic methods were used. For the diagnosis of protozoa flotation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods were used. The main species in the samples were Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp. and Strongylus spp. In the young dairy and beef cattle aged from 6 months to two years and cattle older than two years Cryptosporidium spp. invasion accordingly was 32.6% and 19% (dairy cattle) and 62.2% and 65.5% (beef cattle); the invasion of Eimeria spp. 30% and 7.3% (dairy cattle) and 55.6% and 10.3% (beef cattle); and the invasion of Strongylus spp. was 17.6% and 13.7% (dairy cattle) and 43.3% and 27.6% (beef cattle). Both dairy and beef cattle were infected with Moniezia spp., Paramphistomum spp., Strongyloides spp. Dairy cows aged from 6 months to two years had Trichuris spp., Dictyocaulus spp. and Neoscaris spp. invasion.

EVALUATION OF DIRECT FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY AND ENZYME LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY VERSUS COPROMICROSCOPY IN DIAGNOSIS OF CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS

Background: Cryptosporidium oocysts detection methods include alternate bright-field stains and negative stains. These methods show high sensitivities but it may leave some oocysts unstained. Objective: Evaluation of the direct fluorescence antibody (DFA) and coproantigens by ELISA versus modified Ziehl–Neelsen (MZN) stained smears in detection of Cryptosporidium. Material and Methods: Eighty two immunocompromised patients having acute/ chronic diarrhea, were selected from the attendants of the pediatrics, oncology and nephrology clinics in Al-Azhar University Hospitals, during the period from August 2013 to May 2014. All cases were subjected to history taking and clinical examination, laboratoryexaminationof their fecal smears by microscopic examination of MZN stained smears, detection of coproantigens by ELISA and DFA for diagnosis of Cryptosporidium. Results: Fifteen (18.29%) of the individuals were positive for Cryptosporidium infection using modified Ziehl–Neelsen stain, and 17 (20.73%) were positive by direct fluorescent antibody, while ELISA detect crypto-coproantigen in 18 (21.95%). Statistically, there were highly significant relations between ELISA, DFA, and MZN. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of DFA test were 100, 97, 88.2 and 100 %, respectively, and for ELISA test were 100, 95.5, 83.3 and 100%, respectively, compared with MZN method as the gold standard test for detection of the Cryptosporidium . Conclusion: Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining remained the gold standard for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp., but it may leave some oocysts unstained. So, the immunofluorescence assays were the methods of choice for greatest sensitivity and specificity especially when oocyst numbers in stool specimens were low.

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and other pathogenic intestinal parasites in the Beberibe River in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Transmission of pathogenic protozoa and helminths by water is a serious public health problem. In this study, we analyzed the presence of these organisms in the Beberibe River in Pernambuco, Brazil. Parasite analysis was performed using the Hoffman, Pons, & Janer method followed by centrifugation and preparation of slides by staining with acetic acid and Lugol's solution. Protozoan oocysts were isolated by the modified Ziehl Neelsen method. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and other parasites were found in the Beberibe River. Sanitation companies must assess pathogenic intestinal parasites in water basins providing public water and subsequently develop improved treatment systems for removal of such parasites.

Genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. isolated from young domestic ruminants in some targeted areas of India

Faecal samples (363) from kids, lambs, calves and buffalo calves of below 3 months of age were collected from various parts of India and screened microscopically for Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified Ziehl–Neelsen method of staining. Microscopically positive samples (20) were genotyped by PCR amplification of the partial 18S rRNA region and subsequent digestion by SspI, VspI and MboII restriction enzymes. Based on the PCR-RFLP patterns of 18S rRNA, all the 20 samples were found positive for C. parvum. All the positive samples were also used for amplification of partial actin gene of Cryptosporidium spp. For further confirmation of the species of Cryptosporidium, amplified 818 bp partial actin gene of 3 representative isolates was cloned and sequenced. The sequence and phylogenetic analysis of PCR-positive samples confirmed the presence of C. parvum. Thus, actin gene can also be used for specific molecular diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp., in addition to 18S rRNA. These findings also indicated that young domestic ruminants can be a potent source of cryptosporidial infection for humans and animals in India.

Molecular determination and genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal and respiratory samples of industrial poultry in Iran

ObjectiveTo identify the genotypes of prevalent Cryptosporidia in broiler chickens in Lorestan province, Iran. MethodsA total of 1 000 fecal and 1 000 trachea samples were collected from chickens. Smears from both fecal and tracheal samples were stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen method and nested PCR-RFLP according to amplification of 18S rRNA gene using Ssp I and Vsp I restriction enzymes and DNA sequencing. ResultsFrom the examined chickens 0.7% was positive for Cryptosporidium. Infection was present in 0.5% fecal samples and also in 0.5% trachea. Only 0.3% of simultaneous infections in fecal and tracheal samples were observed. Nested PCR of our isolates demonstrated Cryptosporidium baileyi. ConclusionsIn our work, low rate of Cryptosporidium baileyi infection was detected, but in critical situations and our poor management circumstances, cryptosporidiosis occurs in serious feature especially in immune suppressed individuals.

Glycoprotein 60 Diversity in Cryptosporidium parvum Causing Human and Cattle Cryptosporidiosis in the Rural Region of Northern Tunisia

The zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium parvum was studied in an extensive cattle farming region of northern Tunisia. Seventy fecal samples from pre-weaning calves and 403 fecal samples from children were examined by microscopy after modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining. Positive Cryptosporidium specimens were identified at a species level using an 18S rRNA nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by an Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. C. parvum isolates were subgenotyped by sequence analysis of the glycoprotein 60 (gp60) gene. Among calf samples, 14 samples were positive by MZN method. C. parvum was identified in all cases. Twelve parvum isolates (85.7%) belonged to family subtype IIa. Subtype IIaA15G2R1 was more prevalent (50%). Two C. parvum isolates corresponded to the IIdA16G1 subtype. Seven human samples were positive by MZN method. C. parvum and C. meleagridis were identified in four and three cases, respectively. Intraspecific characterization of C. parvum identified two subtypes, the IIaA15G2R1 and the IIdA16G1, also found in calves.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection among HIV Positive Persons Who Are Naive and on Antiretroviral Treatment in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia

Background. Intestinal parasitic infection affects the health and quality of life of people living with HIV. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV positive individuals who are naive and who are on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 371 (112 ART-naive group and 259 on ART) HIV positive individuals. Stool specimens were collected and examined by direct wet mount, formol ether concentration technique, and modified ziehl-Neelsen methods. Results. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 33.7%; it was significantly higher among the study participants who were ART-naive group (45.5%) (AOR: 2.60(1.56,4.34)) and diarrheic (53.3%) (AOR: 2.30(1.34,3.96)) and with CD4 count <200 cells/μL (46%) (AOR: 2.07(1.06,4.04)). The most commonly identified parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (13.5%), Giardia lamblia (8.1%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.0%), and Cryptosporidium species (2.2%). Conclusion. HIV positive individuals with diarrhea and low CD4 count and ART naive groups were more infected with intestinal parasites than their counterparts. Early stool examination and treatment of intestinal parasites for HIV/AIDS patients is essential.

English

This study assessed the profile of intestinal parasites associated with diarrhoea among patients with&nbsp;the&nbsp;history of gastrointestinal illness and those without history of gastrointestinal illness prior to time of sample collection. Both wet mount preparation and formol-ether concentration methods were used to detect intestinal parasites in 1,040 stool samples. Smears were made from deposits of formol-ether concentration, air dried, fixed and stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. The results show the presence of cyst/oocysts of six protozoan parasites and seven ova/larvae of helminth parasites.Cryptosporidium&nbsp;species,&nbsp;Cyclospora cayetanensis&nbsp;and&nbsp;Entamoeba histolytica/disparhad&nbsp;the&nbsp;highest prevalence of 23.8, 21.2 and 15.4%, respectively. The prevalence of regular parasites was generally low,&nbsp;the&nbsp;highest being&nbsp;Ascaris lumbricoides&nbsp;(6.5%) and Hookworm (4.2%). The prevalence of&nbsp;Cyclospora cayetanensis&nbsp;is more (29.4%) among the patients with gastrointestinal illness than among those without gastrointestinal illness (12.1%) but the difference was not significant (P value 0.12). The implication of these findings is discussed and it was suggested that Hospital laboratories in tropical countries should include&nbsp;Cyclospora cayetanensis&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;diagnosis of unexplained diarrhoea. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium&nbsp;species, intestinal parasitoses,diarrhoea, Ilorin.

PRESENCIA DE ENTEROPARÁSITOS EN LECHUGA(Lactuca sativa) EN ESTABLECIMIENTOS DE CONSUMO PÚBLICO DE ALIMENTOS EN EL CERCADO DE LIMA

Tananta VI, Chávez VA, Casas AE, Suárez AF, Serrano ME. Presence of enteroparasites (Lactuca sativa) in restaurants of Lima downtown. Rev acad. peru cienc vet 2003; 3(1): 31-36. Parasitic diseases are one of the most serious problems in Public Health among the food borne diseases, mainly due to the high morbidity. Enteroparasitic diseases, especially those related to protozoa have a high prevalence in Peru, mostly affecting children and immunosuppressed people through water and food contaminated with infective larvi forms. This purpose of this study was to determine the degree of enteroparasite contamination in raw vegetables that are served in Lima downtown restaurants. A total of 105 lettuce (Lactuca sativa) samples from restaurants specialized in local food, marinated fish (“ceviche”), and roasted chicken were collected. Samples were processed using the sedimentation method and direct observation, plus the modified Ziehl Neelsen method. The level of contamination was 12,4 ± 6,3% (Giardia sp.: 1,9%; Isospora sp.: 3,8%; Cryptosporidium parvum: 6,7%). It is recommended the continuous monitoring of restaurants by official authorities of the Ministry of Health and local municipalities.

Prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in dairy cattle, cattle-keeping families, their non-cattle-keeping neighbours and HIV-positive individuals in Dagoretti Division, Nairobi, Kenya

This paper reports a study estimating the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis, an emerging zoonosis, in people and cattle in Dagoretti, Nairobi. A repeated cross-sectional survey was carried out among randomly selected cattle keepers in Dagoretti, their dairy cattle and their non-cattle-keeping neighbours in the dry and wet seasons of 2006. A survey was also carried out among a group of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Faecal samples were examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method; 16 % of the samples were also examined using immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) technique. Quality control consisted of blind reviews of slides, examining split samples and confirming slide results with IFA. We found that members of dairy households had a dry season cryptosporidiosis prevalence of 4 % and wet season prevalence of 0.3 %, and non-dairy households, a prevalence of 5 and 0 %, respectively. The cattle dry season prevalence was 15 %, and the wet season prevalence, 11 %. The prevalence in people living with HIV was 5 %. The laboratory quality control system showed some inconsistency within and between different tests, indicating challenges in obtaining consistent results under difficult field and working conditions. In conclusion, this is the first reported study to simultaneously survey livestock, livestock keepers and their neighbours for cryptosporidiosis. We failed to find evidence that zoonotic cryptosporidiosis is important overall in this community. This study also draws attention to the importance of quality control and its reporting in surveys in developing countries.

Investigation into the Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infection in Calves among Small-Holder Dairy and Traditional Herds in Tanzania

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine prevalence and risk factors of cryptosporidiosis in bovine from two contrasting production system in and around Tanga municipality between May 2003 and January 2004. The study populations comprised 117 calves aged ≤3 months, randomly selected from 44 smallholders dairy and traditional managed herds, respectively. Individual calf and herd-level information was collected using a structured questionnaire and feacal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium spp oocysts using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. Overall, 35% of the calves in the study were shedding Cryptosporidium spp oocysts, with at least one positive calf detected in 54.5% of herds. Independent risk factors for cryptosporidiosis were: age ≥1 to ≤2 months and level of cleanness of calf house floor categorized as dirty (P < .05). Similarly an increases risk of Cryptosporidium spp infection was found in calves from smallholder dairy units compared to traditional herds (P < .05). The finding highlights that Cryptosporidium spp is prevalent among calves in the area under study. The high prevalence of cryptosporidiosis detected in this study suggests that it may have a significant impact on livestock industry and that the close interaction between cattle and human may play a role in zoonotic transmission to humans.

Enteric parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients before and after the highly active antiretroviral therapy

Enteroparasites are related to gastrointestinal alterations among patients with HIV/AIDS, some causing severe manifestations in the period before the institution of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The prevalence of enteroparasitoses in patients with HIV/AIDS seen at two hospitals in Ceará , Brazil, was compared in the pre-HAART (Group 1; n = 482) and HAART (Group 2; n = 100) eras. Fecal parasitologic examinations (FPE) were performed using the direct, Lutz, Baermann-Moraes and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods. The following parasites were detected in Groups 1 and 2, respectively: Strongyloides stercoralis--30.1% and 11% (p<0.0001), Ascaris lumbricoides--15.6% and 2% (p<0.0001), hookworms--3.7% and 2% (p<0.0001), Trichuris trichiura--13.1% and 1% (p<0.0001), Hymenolepis nana--0 and 1% (p = 0.1718), Giardia duodenalis--7.9% and 1% (p = 0.0076), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar--3.3% and 1% (p = 0.3301), Isospora belli--4.8% and 1% (p = 0.0993), Cryptosporidium sp.--8.1% and 0 (p = 0.0007), and non-pathogenic protozoans as well. There was a significant reduction in the prevalence of enteroparasites between the eras (63.9% to 24%; p<0.0001). In the HAART era, the following observations were made: greater frequency of enteroparasites in patients without antiretroviral therapy (p = 0.0575), as in those with AIDS (p = 0.08), and diarrhea (36% of the patients); lack of association with positive FPE (p = 0.626); and non-detection of Cryptosporidium sp. Strongyloides stercoralis showed an elevated prevalence in the two eras and was more frequent in men (32.41%) than women (19.04%) of Group 1 (p = 0.018), a finding suggesting the transmission of the helminth through sodomy. The advent of the HAART modified the profile of opportunistic infections, including parasites, probably due to the reconstitution of cellular immunity and the direct action of HAART on the parasites.

Seasonal profile and level of CD4+ lymphocytes in the occurrence of cryptosporidiosis and cystoisosporidiosis in HIV/AIDS patients in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Brazil

Patients with AIDS are particularly susceptible to infection with intestinal coccidia. In this study the prevalence of infections with Cryptosporidium sp and Cystoisospora belli were evaluated among HIV/AIDS patients in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Brazil. Between July 1993 and June 2003 faecal samples from 359 patients were collected and stained by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen method, resulting in 19.7% of positivity for coccidian (8.6% with Cryptosporidium sp, 10.3% with Cystoisospora belli and 0.8% with both coccidian). Patients with diarrhoea and T CD4+ lymphocyte levels < or =200 cells/mm3 presented higher frequency of these protozoans, demonstrating the opportunistic profile of these infections and its relationship with the immunological status of the individual. It was not possible to determine the influence of HAART, since only 8.5% of the patients positive for coccidian received this therapy regularly. Parasitism by Cryptosporidium sp was more frequent between December and February and thus was characterised by a seasonal pattern of infection, which was not observed with Cystoisospora belli.

CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS AND IMMUNOLOGICAL STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH MALIGNANT DISEASES

Objective: To investigate the relationship of Cryptosporidium and immunological parameters among children with malignant diseases. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 101 children with malignant disease and 107 apparently healthy children. Direct smear method and then formalin-ether sedimentation method were done for all stool samples to identify intestinal parasites. Fecal smears were prepared from the sediment and stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method for the recovery of acid-fast oocysts of Cryptosporidium. Phagocytic activity, complement C3 and C4 estimation, immunoglobulin levels and CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 marking and phenotyping were carried out for 30 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and 20 control group. Results: ALL was the major type (47.52%) of malignant cases in the studied subjects. The other type ranged from 0.99% to 10.9%. Out of the 101 patients, 50(49.5%) were found to be positive for intestinal parasites compared to 13(12.15%) of the control group (P

Cryptosporidiosis in HIV/AIDS Adult Patients in Jos

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis in adult HIV/AIDS patients with diarrhoea Method: Blood and stool samples of 190 HIV-seropositive adults and another 190 HIV-sero-negative adults aged 15-70 years were collected and screened for HIV and Cryptosporidium oocysts respectively. The sera were screened by double ELISA and the stool by the modified Ziehl Neelsen method. Result: Out of the 190 HIV-seropositive adults 17(9.0%) excreted Cryptosporidium oocyst in their stool while only 3(1.6%) of the control group excreted the oocyst. Conclusion: The prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis is high in HIV/AIDS adult patients in this environment. KEY WORDS: Cryptosporiodiosis, Adults, HIV./AIDS, Jos. Highland Medical Research Journal Vol.1(4) 2003: 17-21

Zoonotic intestinal parasites in Papio anubis (baboon) and Cercopithecus aethiops (vervet) from four localities in Ethiopia

A total of 59 faecal samples from ranging Papio anubis (baboons) and another 41 from Cercopithecus aethiops (vervet) from the Rift Valley areas of Ethiopia were microscopically examined to determine the prevalence and species of major gastro-intestinal parasites of zoonotic importance. Faecal smears were prepared from fresh faecal samples, stained using modified Ziehl–Neelsen method and microscopically examined. About 3 gm of the dropping was also preserved separately in clean and properly labelled containers containing 10% formalin. The specimens were microscopically examined after formalin-ether concentration for ova, larvae, cysts and oocyst of intestinal parasites. The results of microscopic examination of faecal samples of baboons demonstrated the presence of Trichuris sp. (27.1%), Strongyloides sp. (37.3%), Trichostrongylus sp. (8.5%), Oesophagostomum sp. (10.2%), Schistosoma mansoni (20.3%), Entamoeba coli (83.1%), Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar (16.9%), Blastocystis hominis (3.3%), Cyclospora sp. (13.3%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (11.9%). Likewise, the results of microscopic examination of faecal samples of vervets demonstrated the presence of Trichuris sp. (36.6%), Oesophagostomum sp. (4.9%), E. coli (61.0%), E. histolytica/ dispar (24.4%), B. hominis (34.2%), Cyclospora sp. (22.0%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (29.3%). The presence of parasitic protozoa and helminths in baboons and vervets in the study areas is a high risk to human welfare because these non-human primates use the same water sources as humans and range freely in human habitats. An implication of such parasitic infection for the control programme is discussed.