Association of multiple intestinal parasitosis and some specific parasites with Human Immuno Deficiency Virus sero-positive status in Calabar.

Abstract

The association between intestinal parasites with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive status in Calabar was evaluated using fresh stool samples collected from 175 HIV seropositive subjects. Samples were collected from both male and female subjects with age range of 1-70 years (mean, 35 years) and examined macroscopically for consistency, presence of blood, mucus and adult worms. Microscopic examination was carried out using direct smear method in saline and iodine. Stool concentration was by ether shake technique and modified Ziehl Neelsen method was used for the detection of Crptosporidium spp. In all, eight different parasites were detected from both groups of subjects. Hiv seropositive subjects had a higher parasite load (4.33 +_ 0.24). Odds ratios associating Crptosporidium spp. Giardia Lambia and Strongyloides Stercoralis with HIV seropositive status were 106.9 (95%Cl 4. 11-5.22), 24.0 (95%Cl 2.61-3.25) and 22.1 (95%Cl 2.25-3.68) respectively. Infections involving four or more parasites were exclusive to the HIV seropositive subjects and was significantly associated (p<0.001) with HIV seropositive status. Parasitic infections may be employed for the presumptive diagnosis of HIV infections where clinical syndromes are inapparent especially in the rural settings where HIV test kits may not be available but microscopy is possible.



Key words: Multiple Parasitosis, Calabar, Nigeria, HIV Seropositive.


(Global J Med Sci: 2003 2(1): 7-11)