MULTIPLEX PCR FOR DETECTION OF CYCLOSPORA CAYETANENSIS IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS AT WASIT PROVINCE

Abstract

The present study sought to design and execute a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) for the detection of three parasite infections in immune-compromised patients : Cyclospora 
cayetanensis , Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium parvum in patients at Wasit Province, 
Iraq. The three targeted parasites were effectively identified by the study through the development 
and use of a multiplex PCR. The results of the current study appeared that 60% of cases were 
E.histolytica, 23% were C. parvum, and 17% were C.cayetanensis. It was more common in males
62 (62 %) than females 38 (38 %); however, there was no discernible variation in the incidence of 
C. cayetanensis or C. parvum between the sexes. As people aged, the frequency of all three 
parasites dropped. The oldest age group (51–60 years old) having the highest frequency (29%) and 
the youngest age group (1–10 years old) having the lowest prevalence (4%), the positive 
percentage gradually increase with age. The results of this study can guide public health initiatives 
in the area and further knowledge of opportunistic parasite infections in immunocompromised 
people. In immunocompromised individuals, multiplex PCR provides a sensitive and specific way 
to diagnose these parasitic infections.