Intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-1 sero-positive individuals and its correlation with CD4 cell count in a tertiary care teaching hospital, Gujarat.

Abstract

Background: Opportunistic infections constitute a major health problem in patients infected with HIV. Among these, intestinal parasitic infections are the commonest and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV positive individuals worldwide. The present study was carried out to identify various intestinal parasites in HIV-1 sero-positive individuals and to correlate these intestinal parasitic infections with CD4 count. Methods and Material: In a cross-sectional prospective study, stool samples of a total of 27 patients were examined for the presence of the enteric parasites using direct saline & iodine wet mount, formal ether concentration technique, modified acid fast staining & Giemsa staining. Data of recent CD4 cell count was obtained from the patients. Results: Out of 58 patients given written consent for participating in the study, only 27 (47%) patients provided stool samples. The prevalence of enteric parasites in HIV-1 sero-positive patients was 7.4%. The parasites detected in our study population were Entamoeba coli (3.7%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (3.7%). Entamoeba coli (3.7%) was detected in the patient with CD4 count less than 200 cells/?L. 96.3% patients were on ART. Intestinal parasites were detected from ART (3.8%) and nae ART (3.8%) patient. Conclusion: Routine examination of stool samples for parasites could significantly benefit the HIV-infected individuals by contributing to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life. However; considering to limited sample size and a single stool specimen received in the present study, a large study is required. Key Messages: Early detection and treatment of intestinal parasitic infections are important to improve the quality of life of HIV sero-positive patients.