The present study was designed to assess the PCV and serum iron in HIV-malaria co-infected subjects in Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria. 207 participants aged between 16-72 (44 ± 28) years were recruited and classified as follows based on standard screening and WHO criteria: (i) Asymptomatic HIV stage I subjects with or without malaria. (ii) Symptomatic HIV stage II subjects with or without malaria and not on (ART). (iii) HIV/AIDS subjects with or without malaria and on ART. (vi) HIV seronegative control subjects with or without malaria. Blood sample from these participants were analyzed for HIV seroreactivity, Plasmodium falciparum antigen, parasite density, serum iron concentrations and PCV using Standard Laboratory methods. The result showed that serum iron and PCV were significantly reduced amongst all the groups studied when compared with the control (p<0.01, <0.05, <0.01) respectively. No significant difference was observed in malaria parasite densities amongst all the groups studied. The present study shows that serum iron could possibly be one of the most significant predictors of anaemia in subjects presenting with HIV-malaria coinfection, other factors not withstanding. Effective antimalarial drugs in conjunction with antiretroviral therapy could go a long-way in reducing the incidence of anaemia associated with HIV/Malaria co-infection

The study was designed to evaluate CD4 + T-cells count in subjects with HIV-malaria co-infection in Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria and to assess the effects any changes in CD4 + counts has on the prevalence and or severity of both illness. Two hundred and eighty-five participants aged between 16 and 72 years were recruited for the study and grouped as symptomatic HIV subjects, asymptomatic HIV subjects, HIV/AIDS subjects on ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) and HIV-seronegative subjects. HIV and malaria parasite screening, CD4 + T-cell count and parasite density were determined using standard laboratory methods. The result showed that the prevalence of malaria infection was 75% in symptomatic HIV, 46.7% in asymptomatic HIV and 59.6% in HIV/AIDS subjects on ART respectively as opposed to 26.9% observed in the control (P<0.001). The CD4 + T-cell count was significantly lower in both symptomatic and asymptomatic HIV-malaria infected subjects when compared with the malaria-infected control subjects (238 ± 176, 312 ± 144, P<0.01) respectively. CD4 + T-cells count was also significantly lower in malaria-infected HIV/AIDS on ART when compared to the malaria-infected control subjects (315 ± 195, P<0.01). The study concludes that malaria prevalence is increased in subjects with HIV/malaria co-infection and is accompanied by a significant reduction in CD4 + T-cell counts, which might worsen the severity and prognosis in these subjects. Other public health implications are discussed.

years were randomly recruited from 5 major primary schools at Nnewi between January and June 2017. 95 (38%) were males while 155 (62%) were females. Stool samples were collected using universal sterile containers and examined microscopically using saline floatation method. Out of the 250 pupils examined, 105 (42%) were positive for at least one STH. 40 (42.1%) of the males examined were positive while 65 (41.9%) of the females were positive. There was no significant difference between sexes (P > 0.05). Children aged 1-5 years had the highest prevalence (62.2%), followed by those aged 6-8 years (33.3). Children aged 9-12 years had the least prevalence. Prevalence was significantly different between the different age groups (P < 0.05). Among the STHs isolated, Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent (22%), followed by Hookworm (14%). The least prevalent was Trichuris trichiura (6%). No case of mixed infection was detected. The study concludes that STHs are of immense public Health importance in primary School children at Nnewi and efforts should be intensified to promote health education, personal hygiene and sanitation and regular deworming of school children.

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