[Comparative study between Triage Micro Parasite Panel and Immunofluorescent Assay in diagnosis of Cryptosporidium Protozoan in Sohag Governorate]

ABSTRACT

The zoonotic intracellular protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is highly infectious and as low as 30 sporulated oocysts can cause infection in healthy volunteers. Cryptosporidium oocysts are shed in large numbers in the faeces of infected people or animals. cryptosporidium oocysts are resistant to environmental conditions and are able to resist standard disinfection e.g. chlorination of drinking water. Stool samples of 72 persons [9-64 years old] in rural areas of Sohag Governorate, Egypt, attending the out patients clinic of cancer institute of Sohag Governorate [Ministry of Health] and complaining of diarrhoea [immunocompromized patients], were examined for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified acid-fast staining. Only 25 patients stool samples were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified acid-fast staining is time consuming and need expert individual. The sensitivity and specificity of the test are improved by newer tools, such as immunofluorescent assays and antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays which are now commonly used in diagnostic laboratories. Polymerase-chain-reaction [PCR] - based techniques are available as research tests. In the present study the sensitivity of Direct Fluorescent Antibody [DFA] Test [100%] was found to be higher than that of Triage rapid qualitative enzyme immunoassay [EIA] [96%] and the specificity of both tests reached 100% as all members of the control group gave negative results: