Abstract
The magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients requires careful consideration in the developing world where poor nutrition is associated with poor hygiene and several tropical diseases. However, there have been very few studies addressing this issue in Cameroon. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in HIV/AIDS patients in Dschang -Cameroon. Stool and blood specimens from HIV/AIDS patients and control group were screened respectively for intestinal parasites and for HIV antibodies. Intestinal parasites were identified using direct microscopy, formalin-ether concentration and Ziehl Neelsen methods. Out of 396 participants recruited among patients consulting at hospital, 42 (10.6%) were HIV positive, thirty of them treatment naïve. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 14.64%. Out of 42 HIV/AIDS patients, 59.5% (25/42) were infected with intestinal parasites, while only 9.32% (33/354) of the HIV negative patients were infected with intestinal parasites. The parasites detected in our study population included Crystosporidium parvum (2.53%), Entamoeba histolytica (7.52%), Entamoeba coli (4.04%), Giardia lamblia (0.25%), Trichuris trichura (0.25%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.25%) and Taenia spp. (0.25%). In the HIV infected group, Crystosporidium parvum (19.04%), Entamoeba histolytica (19.04%), Entamoeba coli (21.42%), Giardia lamblia (2.38%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.25%) and Taenia spp. (0.25%) were found. Crystosporidium parvum was found to be significantly higher in HIV/AIDS patients than in controls (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the HIV status and the quality of water were the major risk factors for intestinal parasitosis. Routine examinations of stool samples for parasites would significantly benefit the HIV patients by contributing in reducing morbidity and improving the efficiency of antiretroviral treatment. Even after the introduction of free anti-retroviral drugs, opportunistic intestinal infections are still a threat. HIV patients should be screened routinely for intestinal parasites and treated for their overall well being.
Highlights
Intestinal parasites are more common in places where poor sanitation reigns, especially in developing countries of the tropics
There is a consistent association between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and other diseases including malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and intestinal parasitosis [1]
The ultimate goal of the study was to provide guidance on the prevention and control of co-infections including treatment needs of HIV/AIDS patients [15], and decrease the adverse effects of intestinal parasites on people living with HIV
Summary
Intestinal parasites are more common in places where poor sanitation reigns, especially in developing countries of the tropics. There is a consistent association between HIV infection and other diseases including malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and intestinal parasitosis [1] These infections (opportunistic or not) were prevalent worldwide [2]. Immunosuppression, a consequence of HIV infection favors the occurrence of multiple opportunistic infections responsible for a high mortality [4], the foremost gastroenteritis occupy a significant place [5]. Among these diseases, intestinal parasites are the main cause of severe chronic diarrhea [4]. The clinical spectrum caused by these parasitic protozoa among HIV positive patients ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe infection (chronic diarrhea, dehydration and mal-absorption) [8]
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