Occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-positive patients

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are among the leading causes of infectious disease morbidity and mortality worldwide. Diarrhea is one of the most common AIDS-related illnesses causing a significant morbidity and mortality in HIV infected patients. The opportunistic enteric parasites most commonly implicated in HIV-positive patients are Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, Cyclospora, Microsporidium spp, Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica and Strongyloides stercoralis. Despite the spread of HIV infection in India, and the high prevalence of diarrheal disease, there is little information available on the epidemiology of diarrheal disease among people with HIV infection. The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in HIV infected patients. HIV infection was prevalent in the age group 36 40 years, followed by age group of 31 -35 years, with males outnumbering females. Cryptosporidium parvum followed by Isospora belli and Giardia intestinalis were the most common intestinal parasites isolated. Our study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasites, so as to reduce morbidity and mortality in HIV/AIDS patients due to diarrhea. K e y w o r d s Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia intestinalis, Isospora belli, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Intestinal parasites, Diarrhea