Intestinal parasitic infections in human-immunodeficiency-virus-infected persons on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections have been reported in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 285 (84 male and 201 female) HIV-infected adults in the course of HAART were enrolled. Blood and stool specimens were collected from each participant and processed using standard procedures. CD4 count < 200cells/μL and diarrhea were significant risk factors for acquiring intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-positive patients.Anemia was significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis were the only intestinal parasites recovered. We showed a low prevalence (5.3%) of intestinal parasitic infections among HAART patients. Opportunistic coccidia were not detected in this study. Routine diagnosis of intestinal parasites among HIV-infected patients on HAART is advocated.