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Disseminated Strongyloidiasis among HIV/AIDS Patients in Jimma
Abstract
Background and objectives:Strongyloidiasis has become a very important disease in HIV/AIDS patients. Reports pertaining to this aspect are very scarce in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis in stool and sputum samples of HIV/AIDS patients.
Patients and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the magnitude of intra and extra intestinal strongyloidiasis among HIV/AIDS patients in Jimma from January to February, 2001. Ninety HIV/AIDS cases were identified and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis were looked for in the stool and sputum using Bearmann's and formol ether concentration methods respectively. Direct saline stool examination was also performed for the detection of other intestinal parasites.
Results:Eight (9%) of the cases were stool positive for larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis. Three out of ninety (3.3%) cases were also found to have systemic strongyloidiasis by sputum examination.
Conclusion: This study has demonstrated a higher isolation rate of strongyloidiasis in the study population. Therefore, clinicians who take care of immunocompromized HIV/AIDS patients should be alert for an early diagnosis and treatment in the prevention of fatal dissemination. A well-designed and comprehensive case control study is recommended.
Key words: HIV/AIDS, strongyloidiasis, Jimma
[J Ethiopia Med Pract. 2001:3(2):81-84 ]
Patients and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the magnitude of intra and extra intestinal strongyloidiasis among HIV/AIDS patients in Jimma from January to February, 2001. Ninety HIV/AIDS cases were identified and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis were looked for in the stool and sputum using Bearmann's and formol ether concentration methods respectively. Direct saline stool examination was also performed for the detection of other intestinal parasites.
Results:Eight (9%) of the cases were stool positive for larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis. Three out of ninety (3.3%) cases were also found to have systemic strongyloidiasis by sputum examination.
Conclusion: This study has demonstrated a higher isolation rate of strongyloidiasis in the study population. Therefore, clinicians who take care of immunocompromized HIV/AIDS patients should be alert for an early diagnosis and treatment in the prevention of fatal dissemination. A well-designed and comprehensive case control study is recommended.
Key words: HIV/AIDS, strongyloidiasis, Jimma
[J Ethiopia Med Pract. 2001:3(2):81-84 ]
