Abstract
BackgroundBlastocystis is a widespread zoonotic protozoan of mammalian species, especially in HIV/AIDS individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors related with Blastocystis infection among HIV/AIDS patients in Southwest China.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was performed in 311 HIV/AIDS cases in Tengchong City, Yunnan Province from July 2016 to March 2017. For each subject, stool specimen was collected to detect the Blastocystis, and the blood sample was used to detect HIV virus load and CD4+ T cell count, in addition, structured questionnaire was used to collect the basic information and risk factors.FindingsThe result showed that the detection rate of Blastocystis was 3.86% (95% CI: 2.22–6.62) among HIV/AIDS patients. Both raising animal (OR = 12.93, 95% CI: 1.54–108.36) and drinking un-boiled water (OR = 8.17, 95% CI: 1.76–37.90) were risk factors for Blastocystis infection in HIV/AIDS individuals. In addition, the interaction of CD4+ T cell count and HIV virus load was also contribution to Blastocystis infection (P = 0.007).ConclusionsA high prevalence of Blastocystis infection was found in HIV/AIDS patients in Tengchong. Poor hygienic habits, the interaction of HIV virus load and CD4+ T cell count were identified as main risk factors for infection. These results will help us to develop efficient control strategies to intervene with and prevent the occurrence of Blastocystis among HIV-infected individuals.
Highlights
Blastocystis is a widespread zoonotic protozoan of mammalian species, especially in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) individuals
Some studies have reported that the prevalence was 0.8–2.2% in HIVinfected individuals [6, 17], whereas the detection of Blastocystis was 16.2% in HIV-infected patients conducted in China [5]
These findings suggested that the prevalence of the Blastocystis among HIV/AIDS patients was variation in different regions of the world, is essential to further our knowledge of the epidemiology and clinical relevance of this organism in HIV-positive patients
Summary
Blastocystis is a widespread zoonotic protozoan of mammalian species, especially in HIV/AIDS individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors related with Blastocystis infection among HIV/AIDS patients in Southwest China. Some studies have reported that the prevalence was 0.8–2.2% in HIVinfected individuals [6, 17], whereas the detection of Blastocystis was 16.2% in HIV-infected patients conducted in China [5]. Taken together, these findings suggested that the prevalence of the Blastocystis among HIV/AIDS patients was variation in different regions of the world, is essential to further our knowledge of the epidemiology and clinical relevance of this organism in HIV-positive patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
