What opportunistic parasitic infections are common in immunocompromised individuals?

Sourav PanSeptember 29, 2024

Answered

Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy, are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic parasitic infections. Some of the most common opportunistic parasitic infections in these populations include:

1. Toxoplasmosis

• Causative Agent: Toxoplasma gondii
• Description: This protozoan parasite is commonly found in cat feces and can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals, leading to encephalitis, pneumonia, and systemic infections. Reactivation of latent infections is a significant concern in these patients.

2. Cryptosporidiosis

• Causative Agent: Cryptosporidium species
• Description: This protozoan parasite causes gastrointestinal illness characterized by severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. It is often transmitted through contaminated water.

3. Microsporidiosis

• Causative Agent: Enterocytozoon bieneusi and other microsporidia
• Description: Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that can cause chronic diarrhea and other systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV/AIDS. They can lead to significant morbidity due to malabsorption and weight loss.

4. Leishmaniasis

• Causative Agent: Leishmania species
• Description: This parasitic infection can manifest as cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral leishmaniasis. Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) is particularly severe in immunocompromised individuals and can be fatal if untreated.

5. Acanthamoebiasis

• Causative Agent: Acanthamoeba species
• Description: This free-living amoeba can cause severe keratitis in contact lens wearers and can also lead to granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) in immunocompromised individuals, which is often fatal.

6. Strongyloidiasis

• Causative Agent: Strongyloides stercoralis
• Description: This nematode can cause a hyperinfection syndrome in immunocompromised individuals, leading to severe gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms. It can be particularly dangerous in those with weakened immune systems.

7. Cystoisosporiasis

• Causative Agent: Cystoisospora belli
• Description: This protozoan parasite can cause diarrhea and malabsorption in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV/AIDS.

8. Giardiasis

• Causative Agent: Giardia lamblia
• Description: While giardiasis can affect healthy individuals, it can cause more severe and persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in immunocompromised patients, leading to malnutrition and dehydration.

9. Babesiosis

• Causative Agent: Babesia species
• Description: This tick-borne protozoan infection can cause hemolytic anemia and is particularly concerning in individuals with compromised immune systems or those who have had their spleens removed.