Even though the concerns regarding opportunistic parasitic infections among HIV positives have been widely recognized, only a few relevant investigations have been reported in Cameroon to establish the presence of intestinal parasites in this susceptible group. Intestinal parasites and HIV co-infections are some of the neglected areas in HIV research in Cameroon although HIV generally has become a major public health concern in Cameroon and beyond. Furthermore, studies on HIV and intestinal parasitic co-infection in other towns gave a prevalence range of 14.4 to 57.4% 5, 6. Reports from previous studies in different regions in Cameroon revealed that the prevalence of at least one intestinal parasite ranges from 21.92 to 34.5% 3, 4. The infection rate of intestinal parasites is remarkably high in Sub-Saharan Africa which harbors the highest prevalence of HIV positive patients, accounting for more than 70% of the global burden of infection thus indicating that, the burden of the intestinal parasite is affected by the immunological state of the patient 1. The presence of these parasites can damage or sicken the host even though in most cases it is self-limiting except in immunocompromised individuals such as persons with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or Cancer 2. Intestinal parasitic infection is a condition in which parasites infect the gastrointestinal tract of humans 1. Prompt and effective antiretroviral treatment is required to reduce the intensity of the parasite. Intestinal parasites remain public health concern among patients with HIV. Age group > 65 years, self-employment, living in Sub-urban areas, being HIV positive, primary level of education, use of potable tap water, and the use of water system toilets for faeces disposal were identified as associated risk factors to intestinal parasites. Furthermore, prevalence of intestinal parasites was significantly ( p = 0.004) greater in patients with viral load of > 1000 copies/mL 24.3% (13/46). Similarly, the prevalence of multiple parasitic infection 4.5% (18/400) and opportunistic helminths 3% (6/400) were insignificantly ( p > 0.05) higher among HIV-positive individuals. Intestinal parasitosis was significantly ( p = 0.025) higher in HIV-positive individuals 14.5% (29/200). Results obtained revealed that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 11% (44/400). A total of 400 stool and venous blood samples were collected and used to identify the different intestinal parasites and for HIV diagnosis and viral load determination respectively. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to December 2020 during which 200 HIV positive and 200 HIV negative participants were recruited. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the burden of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors. Epidemiological understanding of intestinal parasitic infections is essential for the effective management of HIV infection.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |