Abstract
BackgroundIntestinal parasites and Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection is a major public health problem. The parasitic infection suppresses the cell mediated immunity that protects tuberculosis. Helminthes-induced immune modulation promotes progression to active tuberculosis. However, there is paucity of evidences on the intestinal parasites-tuberculosis co-infection in Ethiopia. This study explores the magnitude and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection and TB among suspected pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) patients.MethodologyA cross-sectional study design was conducted in Kuyu General Hospital from December 2019—March 2020. The socio-demographic data and associated factors were collected by structured questionnaire and then spot-spot sputum and fresh stool samples were collected following standard guidelines and were processed. Descriptive analysis was conducted and reported in frequency and percentage. Bivariate analysis was computed and a multivariable analysis was conducted to provide an adjusted odds ratio (AOR). P-value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe burden of intestinal parasites was 20.2% (49/ 242) and 6.1% (20/ 242) of them were helminths infections and 14.1% (29/ 242) were protozoa infections. Of 242 patients, 14.9% (36/242) were sputum smear-positive for acid fast-bacilli. Of 36 smear positive patients, 9(25%) had TB–intestinal parasites co-infection. Dwelling in rural areas and having untrimmed fingernails were statistically significantly associated with intestinal parasites. Having a contact history of Tb patients was significantly associated with pulmonary tuberculosis.ConclusionsThe magnitude of intestinal parasites and TB among PTB suspected patients were high. Hookworm infection was the predominant helmenthic infection. It is important to consider screening TB patients for intestinal parasites and treat co-infection properly.
Highlights
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health threat [1,2]
This study explores the magnitude and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection and TB among suspected pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) patients
Having a contact history of Tb patients was significantly associated with pulmonary tuberculosis
Summary
It is one of the top 10 causes of mortality with an estimated 10 million new cases each year worldwide [3].The TB disease has been challenging in sub-Saharan African countries due to inadequate health infrastructures and scarce resources [4]. Intestinal Parasitic Infections (IPIs) have been impacting the world public health, especially among socio-economically disadvantaged populations. The TB and IPIs are found co-infecting the community to exacerbate the course of diseases [11] This is supported by the findings of 32% of patients admitted due to TB intestinal parasitosis and 29% of individuals diagnosed positive for TB from the community developed intestinal parasitic infections[12]. Intestinal parasites and Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection is a major public health problem. This study explores the magnitude and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection and TB among suspected pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call