Cryptosporidium parvum in Kinyoun Stain of Diarrhoeal Stool
Cryptosporidium parvum in Modified Kinyoun’s stain of diarrhoeal stool
Cryptosporidium parvum is a unicellular coccidian parasite, the causative agent of Cryptosporidiosis is a disease that causes watery diarrhea. Although it can affect all people, some groups are likely to develop more serious illnesses. For people with weakened immune systems, symptoms can be severe and could lead to severe or life-threatening illnesses. e.g. people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS; those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system; and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.
History
A 3 years old patient with chronic diarrhea. A clinician requested for observation of coccidian parasite in stool specimen.
Procedure
A formal ether concentration was performed. After doing so, smear prepared from sediment part. Modified Kinyoun’s stain performed. Slide focused at 10X objective and finally observe at oil immersion lens i.e. 100 X objective. Structures detected as shown above image.
Observation
A partially beaten apple-like acid-fast shape observed
Interpretation
A partially beaten apple i.e. brand logo of apple company products like acid-fast shape is a special feature of Cryptosporidium parvum.
Result
Oocyst of Cryptosporidium parvum (4-6µm in diameter) is seen as shown above picture.
Cryptosporidiosis Treatment
Most healthy people do not require treatment due to recovery within two weeks. If a person has a compromised immune system, the treatment goal is to relieve symptoms and improve his/her immune response. Treatment options include:
- Anti-parasitic drugs:- Medications such as nitazoxanide can help relieve diarrhea by attacking the parasites. Azithromycin may be given with one of these medications in people with compromised immune systems.
- Anti-motility agents
- Fluid replacement
- Antiretroviral therapies.
References
- Medical Parasitology by Abhay R. Satoskar, Gary L. Simon, Peter J. Hotez and Moriya Tsuji
- Atlas of Medical Helminthology and protozoology -4th edn -P.L. Chiodini, A.H. Moody, D.W. Manser
- Merkell and Voge’s medical parasitology
9th edition. - Parasitology: 12th edition
By K. D. Chatterjee - District laboratory practice in Tropical countries –Part-I.
By Monica Chesbrough. - Isenberg clinical microbiology procedures Handbook
2nd edition. Vol. 2 - Atlas of Human Parasitology, Lawrence R Ash, Thomas C. Orihel, 3 rd ed, Publisher ASCP Press, Chicago.
- Topley & Wilson’s Principle of parasitology. Editors: M.T. Parker & amp; L.H. Collier, 8 th ed 1990, Publisher Edward Arnold publication, London.