Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasitosis in HIV/AIDS Patients on HAART in the Ndop Health District, North West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> Intestinal parasites induce an immunological alteration that favors progression from HIV to AIDS. These enteric parasitic agents vary from patient to patient and from country to country depending on endemicity, seasonal variation of pathogens, and also the immune status of the patient. Therefore, studies are required to evaluate the spectrum of these parasites in specific locations to better plan their control. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitosis in HIV/AIDS patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). <i>Methods: </i>A cross sectional study was carried out from the month of March to July 2018 on HIV patients on HAART in the Ndop Health District, Cameroon. Three centers were selected for this study using a two-stage stratified sampling technique. Stool and blood were collected from 347 participants. Stool was examined for intestinal parasites using direct microscopy, fomol-ether concentration technique, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Blood collected was analyzed using a Pima Alere CD4+ T cell counter. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic and clinical data. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. <i>Results:</i> Three hundred and forty-seven (347) consented individuals were recruited into the study. The ages of study participants ranged between 22-78 years. The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 42 (±10) years. Among the 347 participants, 67 (19.3% (CI = 15.3%-23.9%)) were infected with at least one intestinal parasite. Forty-two (12.1% (CI =8.9%-15.9%)) of study participants were infected with protozoan while 28 (8.1% (CI= 5.2%-11.0%)) were infected with helminths. Intestinal parasites identified included; Ascaris<i> lumbricoides, Hookworm, Taenia spp, Schistosoma mansoni, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Cryptosproridum spp, Blastocystis hominis, Cyclospra spp, Isospora belli, Gardia intestinalis, and Entamoeba coli.</i> Low CD4+ T lymphocyte cell counts were significantly associated (P< 0.01) with intestinal parasitic infection in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART. <i>Conclusion: </i>Intestinal parasites are a problem to HIV/AID patient on HAART. Screening for intestinal parasites in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART must be highlighted and awareness created among HIV/AIDS patients.