Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected and Noninfected Persons in a High Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevalence Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The problem of intestinal parasitic infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people requires careful consideration in the developing world where poor nutrition is associated with poor hygiene and several coinfecting diseases. Studies have addressed this issue in Cameroon, especially in the low HIV prevalence area. The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Adamaoua and to identify associated risk factors. Stool and blood specimens from study participants were screened for intestinal parasites and anti-HIV antibodies, respectively. Of 235 participants, 68 (28.9%) were HIV positive, 38 of them on antiretroviral treatment (ART). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 32.3%. Of 68 PLHIV, 32.3% (22/68) were infected with intestinal parasites, compared with 32.3% (54/167) of the HIV-negative patients. Univariate analysis showed no difference between the prevalence of intestinal parasites among PLHIV and HIV-negative patients ( = 0.69). ART was not associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Multivariate analysis showed that the quality of water and the personal hygiene were the major risk factors associated to intestinal parasitosis. The level of education was associated with HIV serostatus: the higher the level of education, the lower the risk of being infected with HIV ( = 0.00). PLHIV and the general population should be screened routinely for intestinal parasites and treated if infected.

scFv against HSP60 of Strongyloides sp. and Its Application in the Evaluation of Parasite Frequency in the Elderly

“…In this sense, research carried out for the refinement of techniques applied to the epidemiological survey to parasitic diseases, such as the strongyloidiasis, is necessary. It should be noted that infection by this parasite is becoming increasingly severe in vulnerable groups, such as immunosuppressed patients, children, and the elderly [5][6][7]. The major concern in these vulnerable groups is the low immune capacity to respond effectively to infectious processes.…”

RE: Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected and Noninfected Persons in a High Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevalence Region of Cameroon

“… 2 , 5 The authors reported an HIV incidence rate in their population nearly twice as high as in the target population. 1 This suggests that newly infected PLHIV may have been overrepresented in this sample and their immunocompetence—relative to prevalent PLHIV—could have biased the observed association toward the null.…”

“… 6 Cotrimoxazole has demonstrated antiparasitic activity against multiple intestinal parasites including Isospora belli , 7 which was tested for but not detected here. 1 In a recent study conducted in Yaounde, Cameroon, cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was reported among 65.9% of PLHIV between 2015 and 2016. 6 Cotrimoxazole use among PLHIV in this study may have decreased parasite prevalence in this group, thereby diluting the observed association.…”

“…The authors examined the prevalence of and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic coinfections among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Adamaoua region of Cameroon. 1 Previous studies conducted in various regions of sub-Saharan Africa have revealed disproportionately higher prevalence rates of parasitic infections among PLHIV. 2 – 4 It is, therefore, surprising that the authors of this study reported no association between HIV status and parasitic infection.…”

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Relation to the HIV Status of Patients Attending the Care Units in Three Divisions in the Centre Region of Cameroon

“…The only helminth species was Ascaris lumbricoides. These different species are recurrent and usually identified in studies carried out in a tropical environment; their transmission is linked to the faecal peril (5,7,(28)(29)(30).…”