The prevalence of intestinal protozoans in HIV/AIDS patients in Abuja, Nigeria.

Abstract

A study to establish the prevalence of intestinal parasitic protozoans in HIV/AIDS patients was carried out in Abuja, Nigeria between May- December, 2006. 900 persons were examined, among which 700 were HIV/AIDS seropositive while 200 were seronegative. The 200 seronegative were used as control. Of the 700 HIV seropositives, 28.1% had intestinal protozoans while only 7.5% of the HIV seronegative had intestinal protozoans. Of the 9 intestinal parasites found in the HIV seropositive individuals, only 4 (I. belli, C. cayetanensis, E. bieneusi and B. coli) were not seen in HIV seronegative individuals. A significant difference (P<0.05) was observed at the rate of infection with intestinal protozoans between the HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative. KEYWORD: Intestinal protozoan, HIV/AIDS, Prevalence, Abuja-Nigeria.