Diagnostic yield of duodenal biopsy and aspirate in AIDS-associated diarrhea.

Abstract

In this series, the diagnostic yield of EGD with duodenal biopsy and aspirate in AIDS associated diarrhea was low. Pathogens were identified in 26% of patients; predominantly Cryptosporidium organisms and microsporidia. The routine performance of aspiration of duodenal contents for parasite examination and staining of duodenal tissue with Gomori's methenamine silver stain for fungal identification are not recommended. One should consider obtaining tissue for electron microscopy whenever duodenal biopsies are performed. The utility of EGD in AIDS associated diarrhea may improve as more effective therapies become available.