Intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-1 sero-positive individuals and its correlation with CD4 cell count in a tertiary care teaching hospital, Gujarat.

Abstract

Background: Opportunistic infections constitute a major health problem in patients infected with HIV. Among these, intestinal parasitic infections are the commonest and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV positive individuals worldwide. The present study was carried out to identify various intestinal parasites in HIV-1 sero-positive individuals and to correlate these intestinal parasitic infections with CD4 count. Methods and Material: In a cross-sectional prospective study, stool samples of a total of 27 patients were examined for the presence of the enteric parasites using direct saline and iodine wet mount, formal ether concentration technique, modified acid fast staining and Giemsa staining. Data of recent CD4 cell count was obtained from the patients. Results: Out of 58 patients given written consent for participating in the study, only 27 (47%) patients provided stool samples. The prevalence of enteric parasites in HIV-1 sero-positive patients was 7.4%. The parasites detected in our study population were Entamoeba coli (3.7%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (3.7%). Entamoeba coli (3.7%) was detected in the patient with CD4 count less than 200 cells/?L. 96.3% patients were on ART. Intestinal parasites were detected from ART (3.8%) and nae ART (3.8%) patient. Conclusion: Routine examination of stool samples for parasites could significantly benefit the HIV-infected individuals by contributing to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life. However; considering to limited sample size and a single stool specimen received in the present study, a large study is required. Key Messages: Early detection and treatment of intestinal parasitic infections are important to improve the quality of life of HIV sero-positive patients.