Respiratory Cryptosporidium Infection in Pulmonary Tuberculosis-Suspects at Jimma University Medical Center Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia, 2017

Abstract

Background: Respiratory Cryptosporidium infection is the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts within upper or lower respiratory tracts in humans. It is recognized as a late-stage complication of intestinal cryptosporidiosis. The appearance of Cryptosporidium oocysts in respiratory tracts can be serious health issue, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parasite in sputum and its associated risk factors in pulmonary tuberculosis-suspects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 st to May 5 th 2017 at Jimma University Medical Center. Data were collected using questionnaires. Sputa were screened with auramine phenol stain to detect oocysts by fluorescencent microscope. Positive sputa were reconfirmed with immunofluorescent antibody test and inoculated onto chocolate and blood agar plates. Wet mount preparations in potassium hydroxide were also done on these positive sputa. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 21.0 software. Results: Oocysts were detected in 9 (2.12%) sputa of 424 participants. No growth of pathogenic bacteria in cultures. Fungal elements were not observed in potassium hydroxide wet mount. Close proximity to animals, occupation, HIV and PTB infections were significantly associated with respiratory Cryptosporidium infection at p-value < 0.05. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of respiratory Cryptosporidium infection looked like low, it indicated importance as a public health problem. The prevalence was significantly associated with close proximity to animals, occupation, HIV and PTB infections. Recommendations: Considering the possibility of respiratory Cryptosporidium infection in pulmonary tuberculosis suspects, it is better if medical laboratory personals, who conduct auramine phenol microscopy for TB bacilli, should be familiar with the appearance of oocysts in respiratory specimens