Intestinal Parasites among HIV-infected Patients at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasites are a cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world particularly in HIV-infected patients. This study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV-infected patients, assessed risk factors predisposing to infection and also assessed association of intestinal parasites with the CD4 counts of the patients. Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study and 226 HIV-infected patients attending the Virology Research Clinic of OAUTHC were recruited. Questionnaires were administered to obtain relevant demographic information. Stool samples were collected and examined. Data processing was done using SPSS Inc USA version 17. Statistical analysis was done using frequency, proportion, percentages, tables and Pearson’s chi-square was used to determine the association between intestinal parasites and risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in this study is 15.4%. Cryptosporidium sp. and Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence, both had rates of 4.4% followed by Entamoeba histolytica with a rate of 3.1%. Cyclospora sp. had a rate of 1.8%, Strongyloides stercoralis had a rate of 0.9% while Entamoeba coli and hookworm both had rates of 0.4%. Co-existence of Cryptosporidium with Strongyloides stercoralis occurred in one of the HIV-infected patients. Exposure to goats and dogs was found to be significantly associated with intestinal parasites. The CD4 count was not significantly associated with presence of intestinal parasites. Conclusion: Intestinal parasites are still prevalent among HIV-infected patients and exposure to dogs and goats was a risk factor. There was no association between intestinal parasites and CD4 counts of the patients.