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Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasite infection by HIV infection status among asymptomatic adults in rural Gabon


Jeanne Vanessa Koumba Lengongo
Bedrich Pongui Ngondza
Bridy Moutombi Ditombi
Noé Patrick M’Bondoukwé
Jacques Mari Ndong Ngomo
Arnaud Mongo Delis
Princilia Bouyi Lekounga
Marielle Bouyou-Akotet
Denise Patricia Mawili-Mboumba

Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal parasites infections are endemic in Gabon. Nevertheless, they are rarely described in people living with HIV (PLHIV).


Objective: The frequency of intestinal parasite infection was estimated and compared between HIV-positive and HIV un- infected individuals in Gabon; factors associated with intestinal parasites were also analysed.


Material and Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design sociodemographic data, life style habits, antiretroviral therapy, cotrimoxazole use and CD4 cell count were recorded.. Stool samples from participants living in Koulamoutou and Oyem were analysed using microscopy. Chi-squared or fisher’s exact tests and logistic regression were performed.


Results: Among participants (n=332), female gender was predominant (73.7%; n=135/183) and the median age was 45 [33-57] years old. Among 183 samples, 53.6% (n = 98/183) were infected by intestinal parasites. The proportion was higher (72.1%) in HIV negative participants compared to PLHIV (42.6%) (p <0.01). PLHIV were more frequently poly-infected. Infection was frequent in patients using external toilets and tap water (>70.0%).


Conclusion: Prevalence of intestinal parasites is higher in seronegative participants but polyparasitism is more frequent in PLHIV. Strategies are focused on HIV negative population, but this study shows the importance of sensitization for PLHIV to improve their quality of life.


Keywords: Intestinal parasites; Human immunodeficiency virus; cotrimoxazole; CD4 cell; Gabon.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905