Co-infection of HIV and intestinal parasites and their associated factors among HIV infected patients receiving antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Center Amachara, Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: HIV-infected individuals are at increased risk of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), especially in resourcelimited settings.This study assessed the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among HIV-positive adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Southeastern Nigeria.A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2019 at Abia Specialist Hospital, Umuahia South LGA.A total of 200 HIVpositive adults on ART were systematically recruited, with 193 meeting inclusion criteria.Data on demographics, hygiene practices, and clinical parameters were collected via structured interviews.Stool and blood samples were analyzed for intestinal parasites, CD4⁺ counts, and viral load.Data were analyzed using WINKS SDA, with significance set at p<0.05.The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 14.5% (28/193).Entamoeba histolytica (4.1%) and Giardia lamblia (2.6%) were the most common parasites.Significant associations were observed between IPIs and diarrheal symptoms (p<0.001),CD4⁺ count ≤200 cells/µL (p=0.008), and viral load ≥1000 copies/mL (p=0.028).Employment status (p=0.024) and WHO clinical staging (p<0.001) also showed significant associations.However, sanitation and hygiene factors-including water source, toilet availability, barefoot walking, and exposure to stagnant water-were not significantly associated with infection (p>0.05).Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant concern among HIVpositive individuals on ART, particularly those with low immunity and high viral load.Routine parasitological screening, especially for symptomatic and immunocompromised patients, is recommended to improve care outcomes in similar settings.
Language: English
Subfield: Parasitology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4414208104
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