Occurrence and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium Infection in HIV/Aids Patients in Algeria

Abstract

The estimated prevalence rate of adults living with HIV infection in MENA is one of the lowest in the world. To date, no data on the genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium isolates from HIV/AIDS patients in Algeria were available. This study aimed to identify Cryptosporidium species and subtype families prevalent in Algerian HIV-infected patients and contribute to the molecular epidemiology mapping of Cryptosporidium in the MENA region. A total of 350 faecal specimens from HIV/AIDS patients were analysed using microscopy, and a Cryptosporidium infection was identified from 33 samples, with 22 isolates successfully sequencing and confirming species and subtypes. Based on sequence analysis, 15 isolates were identified as C. parvum with family subtypes IIa (n = 7) and IId (n = 8), while five were identified as C. hominis (family subtypes Ia (n = 2) and Ib (n = 3)) and two as C. felis. The C. parvum subtype families IIa and IId predominated, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission. More extensive sampling of both humans and farm animals, especially sheep, goats and calves, as well as a collection of epidemiological data are needed for a better understanding of the sources of human C. parvum infections in Algeria.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia in cats and dogs: What is the real zoonotic risk?

“… Species/Assemblage No. of cases Comment Country Reference Cryptosporidium C. felis 2 HIV+ patients Algeria Semmani et al (2023) 1 21-year-old female with diarrhoea Australia Ebner et al (2015) 5 HIV+ patients Brazil Lucca et al (2009) 4 School children Brazil Pacheco et al (2022) 2 Sporadic cases Canada Guy et al (2021) 2 Hospitalised children (median 36 months-old) China Feng et al (2012) 8 1 HIV+, 4 with diarrhoea, 2 with non-gastrointestinal illnesses China Liu et al (2020) 3 Kindergarten children aged 2–6 years China Wang et al (2022b) 1 Average age 5 years Colombia Higuera et al (2020) 2 1 child and 1 HIV+ patient Colombia Uran-Velasquez et al (2022) 1 C. felis identified in owner’s cat Colombia Potes-Morales and Crespo-Ortiz (2023) ...…”

Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium Oocysts in under-Five Children with Diarrhoea in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

“…There are presently over 40 recognized species with most of these species found in humans [1]. Cryptosporidium causes Cryptosporidiosis which is a significant diarrhoeal disease that affects young children especially those under the age of 5 years and individuals that are immunocompromised [1,2]. Like many other important protozoan parasites such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium is spread through the faecal-oral route.…”

HIV and Co-Infections: Updates and Insights

“…Semmani [ 9 ], reporting data from Algeria, maps the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in HIV/AIDS patients, contributing to improved occurrence and molecular characterization. Cryptosporidium species and subtype families are prevalent in Algerian HIV patients.…”