PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN CANCER PATIENTS ON ANTINEOPLASTIC TREATMENT

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Intestinal parasites have become frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, often replacing the primary disease as the leading cause of death. Thus the present study aims at detection of intestinal parasites in cancer patients on Anti Neoplastic treatment. METHOD This prospective analysis included 50 cancer patients on Anti-Neoplastic treatment. Two stool samples were collected and were examined by routine and concentration techniques for intestinal parasites. Modified Kinyouns Acid-Fast staining and Agar plate culture for Strongyloides were also done. RESULTS Prevalence of intestinal parasites was 42. Among them Entamoeba histolytica was the predominant parasite (22), followed by Giardia lamblia (12), Strongyloides stercoralis (2), Isospora belli (2), Ascaris lumbricoides (2), Trichuris trichiura (2).CONCLUSION In the present study collection and processing of two consecutive stool samples and Formal ether concentration procedure increased the sensitivity of the detection of enteric parasites. Stool examination must be implemented in cancer patients on Anti-Neoplastic treatment to reduce the morbidity and mortality