Parasitology 6 Views 1 Answers

Sourav PanSeptember 29, 2024
What opportunistic parasitic infections are common in immunocompromised individuals?
What opportunistic parasitic infections are common in immunocompromised individuals?
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Sourav PanMay 15, 2025
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.
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