Medical Microbiology & Diagnosis

Introduction: The increased number of documented human coccidian infections that are often indistinguishable from other forms of community-acquired diarrhoea, together with the possibility of treating some of them, suggests a need for proper diagnostic techniques to recover and identify the organism.

Materials and methods: 100 samples which were received in sterile wide mouth container were included in the study. The samples were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination by saline mount, iodine mount, modified acid fast stain and auramine and rhodamine staining.

Results: The prevalence of coccidian parasites in this study was observed to be 6%. Coccidian parasites reported were Cryptosporidia and Cystoisospora. Immunocompromised patients were observed to be susceptible to infection with coccidian parasites. Auramine rhodamine stain showed 100% agreement with modified acid fast stain.

Conclusion: This study concluded that Auramine stain is a better and more rapid stain than modified acid-fast stain for identifying coccidian parasites.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency can increase susceptibility to viral infections such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The current study has two aims; first, measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) concentration in a group of Moroccan health professionals, in order to determine the prevalence of hypo-vitaminosis D and to supplement those at risk. Second, conducting a 5-month flow-up; In order to detect individuals contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection, whether or not they manifest severe respiratory symptoms, and therefore to evaluate the impact of Vitamin D supplementation on their immune system.

Methods: This is a prospective, observational study, which had been occurred at Children’s hospital of UHC Ibn Sina of Rabat. Measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was determined by ARCHITECT 25-OH VITAMIN D at the biochemistry laboratory of Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat. After 25 (OH) D measurements, a supplementation of cholecalciferol 100,000 IU VITD 3 was administered according to its status for each participant.

Results: Sixty-five participants were enrolled in this study; 85% were females. The average value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the general population was 17 ± 7 ng/ ml, with extreme values of 7 and 34 ng/ml. Ninety-two percent of the studied population presented hypo-vitaminosis D. Thirteen participants (20%) were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Although, no cases required hospitalization or respiratory support.

Conclusion: It appears necessary to supplement individuals at risk of contracting respiratory viral infections, particularly health professionals who are on the front line against COVID-19 pandemic.