2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part C

Background: Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic protozoal infection caused by the Cryptosporidium species that infects the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease manifests as acute, self-limiting watery diarrhoea in immunocompetent individuals. However, in immunocompromised hosts-particularly those with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients and malnourished children-cryptosporidiosis can lead to severe, persistent, and life-threatening diarrhoea. This study aims to compare the modified acid-fast staining technique with antigen detection using ELISA in the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium species in stool samples of post renal transplant recipients at a tertiary care center.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted over 6 months (March 2024-August 2024) at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. A total of 40 stool samples were collected from renal transplant recipients who were more than 18 years of age with complaints of diarrhea. Fresh Stool sample was collected in a wide mouthed screw top container & was subjected to modified acid-fast staining to examine the presence of oocysts of Cryptosporidium and to detect Cryptosporidium antigen by EDITM fecal Cryptosporidium antigen ELISA kit.
Results: 27 post renal transplant recipients with diarrhea were positive for Cryptosporidiosis by detection of oocyst with modified acid-fast technique, whereas 33 post renal transplant recipients with diarrhea were positive for Cryptosporidiosis by detection of antigen with EDI^TM fecal Cryptosporidium antigen ELISA kit.
Conclusion: Cryptosporidiosis is a significant opportunistic parasitic infection in renal transplant recipients, mostly due to their immunosuppressed status. Effective care depends on an early and precise diagnosis. Although modified acid-fast staining is inexpensive, they are not very sensitive. On the other hand, antigen detection assays like ELISA have greater sensitivity and specificity, which makes them better suited for early diagnosis, particularly in post renal transplant recipients.