The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and other intestinal parasites in elderly patients

Abstract

Purpose: Cryptosporidiosis is a self-limiting infection in individuals with immune competence, but it can have serious and life-threatening consequences in the elderly and immune-compromised individuals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and other intestinal parasites and their relationship with symptoms in elderly patients.
 Materials and Methods: The distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. and other intestinal parasites was prospectively evaluated in elderly patients admitted to different clinics of the university hospital between September 2018 and September 2019. 
 The study group included 40 elderly patients (18 females and 22 males; mean age: 73.35 ±6.55years) with gastrointestinal complaints and a control group consisting of 44 elderly patients without gastrointestinal complaints. Stool samples were examined using wet mount, and Kinyoun acid fast staining.
 Results: The most frequently isolated parasites were amoeba cysts and trophozoites in elderly patients. Cryptosporidium spp. cysts were detected in 9 (22.5%) of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, and in 13 (40.6%) of those with other complaints and in the control group. Cryptosporidium spp. cysts were found more common in those with a solid stool consistency than others with a watery stool consistency.
 Conclusion: Cryptosporidiosis could be a life-threatening condition in a high-risk population, such as the elderly with co-morbidities, and physicians should have increased awareness.