Detection of cryptosporidium in fecal sample by three staining method from immunocompromised patients

Introduction: Cryptosporidium species is the most common opportunistic enteric parasite encountered in the immunocompromised patients. Objective: To evaluate Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, auramine phenol staining and safranine methylene blue for the diagnosis of intestinal cryptosporidiosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 faecal samples from HIV seropositive were collected. They were subjected for modified ZN stain, safraninemethylene blue stain and auramine phenol stain for detection of cryptosporidium. Results: Out of total 70 HIV patients, 57 (81%) were positive for parasitic infection, higher number of parasitic infection is caused by Cryptosporidia in 34( 60%). Of the 34 patients who had cryptosporidiosis were positive for auramine phenol technique, 33(97%) of them were also positive with the modified ZN stain and 31(91.0%) were also positive with the safranine methylene blue stain. Conclusion: Auramine phenol staining is a rapid, sensitive and specific technique for diagnosis of intestinal cryptosporidiosis.