Investigation of the Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Parvum Among Hiv-Positive Individuals With Recombinant Cp2 and Cp23 Antigens Publisher



Dousti M ; Amshawee AM ; Ahmed Alsaeed M ; Almamorri I ; Jasim YH ; Hussain MA ; Nasiri M ; Asl FSS ; Barezgar G
Source: Journal of Parasitic Diseases Published:2026

Abstract

Cryptosporidium spp. are opportunistic pathogens that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV/AIDS. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum among HIV-positive individuals. One hundred HIV-positive patients were recruited from the Behavior Disease Consultation Center of Rajai Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Stool and serum samples were collected for microscopic and serological identification of Cryptosporidiosis. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS version 23. Parasites were detected in 14 (14%) of the 100 stool specimens submitted for ova and parasite examination. Twenty-three (23%) of the 100 subjects had positive titers (4 were females, 19 were males). There was no statistically significant correlation between the subset of the study population with anticryptosporidial IgG and sexual behaviour and intravenous drug users (P-value > 0.05). A statistically significant was found between anticryptosporidial IgG and CD4 count (P-value < 0.0001). The results further demonstrated that among the 45 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) responders, C. parvum IgG antibodies were detected in 5 patients (11.1%), while stool examination was positive in 2 patients (4.4%). In contrast, among the 55 ART non-responders, IgG antibodies were detected in 18 patients (32.7%), and stool examination was positive in 12 patients (21.8%). Overall, the prevalence of both seropositivity and stool positivity was significantly higher in ART non-responders compared to responders (P < 0.05). These findings highlight the importance of routine screening for Cryptosporidium in HIV-positive patients to inform clinical management strategies and prevent disease transmission. © Indian Society for Parasitology 2026.