Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Renal Transplant Recipients Publisher



Azami M¹ ; Sharifi M² ; Hejazi SH¹ ; Tazhibi M³ Show Affiliations
Source: Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health Published:2011

Abstract

Context: The magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection in renal transplant recipients requires careful consideration in the developing world. However, there have been very few studies addressing this issue in Iran. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in renal transplant recipients in Iran. Materials and Methods: Stool specimens from renal transplant recipients and control groups were obtained between June 2006 and January 2007. The samples were screened for intestinal parasitic infections using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, Sheather's flotation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods. Statistical Analysis Used: A comparison of the frequency of parasites between cases and controls was performed using Chi-square test. Subsequently, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare multiple parasitic infections in cases and controls. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 150 renal transplant recipients, 33.3% (50), and out of 225 of the control group, 20% (45) were infected with one or more types of intestinal parasites. The parasites detected among patients included Entamoeba coli (10.6%), Endolimax nana (8.7%), Giardia lamblia (7.4%), Blastocystis spp. (4.7%), Iodamoeba butschlii (0.7%), Chilomastix mesnili (0.7%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.7%). Multiple infections were more common among renal transplant recipients group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of testing for intestinal parasites among Iranian renal transplant recipients. Routine examinations of stool samples for parasites would significantly benefit the renal transplant recipients by contributing to reduce severity of infection. The results of this study emphasize the monitoring and stool examination for prevention of parasitic infections in renal transplant recipients.