Comparative Profile of Intestinal Parasites Among Immunocompromised and Immunocompetent Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain significant in India, particularly within immunocompromised individuals. This comparative study assessed prevalence, risk factors, and clinical features of IPIs among immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study at Government Medical College, Jammu included 369 patients between May 2024 and April 2025. We defined immunocompromised status as HIV/AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, organ transplantation, or corticosteroid therapy. Immunocompetent status indicated absence of these factors. Stool analysis involved wet mounts, formalin-ether concentration, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Results: Out Of 369 patients, 75 were immunocompromised and 294 were immunocompetent. IPI prevalence was 36% in immunocompromised and 23% in immunocompetent patients. Giardia lamblia (11.7%) and Entamoeba histolytica (9.5%) predominated. Diarrhea (OR=37.1, p