Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among HIV/AIDS Patients in Sokoto, Nigeria

Introduction: In the developing countries where human intestinal parasites constitute a major public health problem, HIV/AIDS patients face very high risks of intestinal infections leading to gastroenteritis. Evidence from studies has shown that infection by intestinal parasites cause immune activation and dysregulation; and these have been found to be dominant factors in the pathogenesis of AIDS in Africa. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients with HIV/AIDS in Sokoto, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 57 consecutively diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients in two tertiary healthcare facilities in Sokoto, Nigeria. A proforma was used to collect data on study subjects’ socio-demographic characteristics. Stool samples were collected into sterile containers, labeled and examined (within 24 hours of collection) for cysts, ova or trophozoites of parasites using direct microscopy. Data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 statistical computer software package.

Results: The mean age of the 57 participants was 34 ± 6 years, and majority of them (70.2%) were between 20 and 39 years. They were predominantly females (64.9%), and married (68.4%). Twenty two (38.6%) of the 57 participants had intestinal parasitic infections. There was no association (p > 0.05) between being infected with intestinal parasites and any of the participants’ socio-demographic variables. The most prevalent parasites among the participants were Hookworm (14.0%), and Entamoeba histolitica (12.3%). Other parasites isolated include Schistosoma mansoni (5.3%), Ascaris lumbriciodes (5.3%) and Hymenolepsis nana (1.7%).

Conclusion: This study showed high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV/AIDS patients in Sokoto, Nigeria. Patients with HIV/AIDS should be targeted for health education on prevention of parasitic infections, in addition to periodic deworming and prophylactic treatment for other parasitic infections.