Investigation of the Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Parvum Infection in Hemodialysis Patients With Recombinant Cp2 and Cp23 Antigens Publisher



Ma Hussain Maryam A ; Fss Asl Fatemeh Sadat SEYEDI ; Yh Jasim Yusra H ; M Ahmed MELAD ; I Almamorri INAM ; Am Amshawee Ahmed M ; G Barzegar GHOLAMREZA
Source: Journal of Parasitic Diseases Published:2025

Abstract

Cryptosporidium parvum is a significant cause of cryptosporidiosis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing dialysis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of C. parvum infection among hemodialysis patients at the Behavior Disease Consultation Center of Rajai Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, using recombinant CP2 and CP23 antigens. One hundred hemodialysis patients were recruited from the Behavior Disease Consultation Center of Rajai Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Stool and serum samples were collected and analyzed using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining was used to microscopically detect Cryptosporidium oocysts in stool samples, while the ELISA was performed to detect anti-C. parvum IgG antibodies in serum samples, using recombinant CP2 and CP23 antigens specific to C. parvum. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS version 23. The study found a 15% seropositivity rate for IgG antibodies against C. parvum using ELISA, and a 9% test positivity rate for C. parvum oocysts in stool samples detected by microscopy. A statistically significant association was observed between infection rates, rural residence (P = 0.048), and animal contact (P = 0.004). The ELISA technique demonstrated higher sensitivity compared to microscopy. The findings of this study highlight the substantial prevalence of C. parvum infection among hemodialysis patients, with significant correlations to rural residence and animal contact. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.