Cryptosporidium infection in pediatric patients with lymphohematopoietic malignancies

Cryptosporidium parvum is a common protozoan pathogen with worldwide distribution. It localizes on the intestinal cells and prolonged diarrhea in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and the clinical features of enteric cryptosporidiosis in pediatric patients with lymphohematopoietic malignancies. in this cross-sectional study stool samples were collected from 100 children [67 boys, 33girls] with lymphohematopoietic malignancies who underwent chemotherapy between the ages of 6 months and 17 years [mean age 7.5 years]. All of the specimens were examined for the oocysts of C. parvum by modified Ziehl Neelsen [MZN] staining technique and coproantigens of C. parvum by EL IS A. Cryptosporidium infection was detected in 22 patients. 16 [72.7%] of the infected patients were male and 6 [27.3] female. 7 [31.8%] patients were <5 years, 8 [36.4%] 5-10 years and 7 [31.8] >10 years old. Parasites were detected in 19/85 [86.4%] patients with ALL, 2 of 5 [9.1%] with AML, and 1 of 10 [4.5%] with NHL. Clinical symptoms were found in 11 [50%] of the patients. We found longer duration of chemotherapy in patients who were positive for Cryptosporidium infection [Mean=2067 days] in comparison to negative group [Mean=258.5 days] [ANOVA, f=2.82, P=0.04]. The incidence of Cryptosporidium infection was 22% among pediatric patients with lymphohematopoietic malignancies. We recommend evaluation of these patients with at least two different diagnostic methods in order to prevent possible life threatening outcomes

A case of Moniliformis moniliformis (Acanthocephala) infection in Iran

Only a few cases of Acanthocephala infections have been reported in humans, and Moniliformis moniliformis is the most common species around the world. We report here a case of infection with M. moniliformis, which passed in the stool of a 2-year-old girl in Iran. The patient had abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and facial edema. According to her mother, the patient had habit of eating dirt and once a cockroach was discovered in her mouth. In stool examination, eggs of M. moniliformis were not found. She was treated with levamisole and the clinical symptoms reduced within 2 weeks. The specimen contained 2 pieces of a female worm with a total length of 148 mm lacking the posterior end. The spiral musculature of the proboscis receptacle and the shape of the trunk allowed its generic determination. Previously 2 cases of M. moniliformis infection were reported in Iran. This is the 3rd case of M. moniliformis infection in Iran.