Özet:

Objective: In this study, our aim was to compare the diagnostic methods with each other and show the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts by using molecular, serological and microscopic methods in stool samples which were collected from immunosuppressive and immunocompetent patients with diarrhea Methods: Total 172 stool samples were collected from 80 immunosuppressive patients and 92 immunocompetent patients (between 0-94 years) with diarrhea. These stool samples were obtained from the different clinics of Ataturk University, Yakutiye Research Hospital between January 2014 and July 2014. Patient group composed of 49 persons between 0-14 years and 123 persons between 15-94 years. On the other hand, 141 patients were using tap water while 41 of them were using well water. Modified acid-fast staining, ELISA and DFA techniques were applied to detect the Cryptosporidium parasite positivity. Nested PCR method was performed to the samples which were detected positive with one of the above methods. Results: The positivity was detected in 5.8%, 4.1% and 3.5% by ELISA, DFA technique and Modified acid-fast staining method, respectively.  Cryptosporidium DNA was detected in only 1.2% by PCR method. The rates of positivity were 6.3% and 5.4% in immunosuppressive and immunocompetent patients, respectively. The positivity was detected in 10.2% and 4.1% in 0-14 age group and 15-94 age group patients, respectively. On the other hand, 4.3% and 12.9% positivity rates were detected in tap water and well water users respectively. Conclusion: Our study pointed out that the investigation of Cryptosporidium oocysts as diarrhea agents in especially immunosuppressive patients, individuals in childhood and well water users may be useful. Because cryptosporidiosis is a common disease in children and immunosuppressive individuals. Additionally, we think that ELISA method can be preferred to other methods in terms of high sensitivity and ease of application.

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