Abstract:
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and major
causes of morbidity and mortality of such patients are opportunistic infections caused by viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic
pathogens.
Objectives: To determine the magnitude of opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections among AIDS patients
and HIV positive carrier individuals
Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted among AIDS patients, HIV positive healthy carriers and HIV negative individuals in
Jimma University Hospital, Mother Theresa Missionary Charity Centre, Medan Acts Projects and Mekdim HIV positive persons and
AIDS orphans’ national association from January to May, 2004. Convenient sampling technique was employed to identify the study
subjects and hence a total of 160 subjects were included. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic
data of the patients. Stool samples were examined by direct saline, iodine wet mount, formol-ether sedimentation concentration,
oocyst concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique.
Results: Out of 160 persons enrolled in this study 100(62.5%) (i.e. 65 male and 35 female) were infected with one or more intestinal
parasites. The highest rate 36(69.2%) of intestinal parasites were observed among HIV/AIDS patients, followed by HIV positive
healthy carriers 35 (61.4%) of and HIV negative individuals (29(56.9%). Isospora belli 2(3.9%), Cryptosporidum parvum 8(15.4%),
Strongyloides stercoralis 6(11.5%) and Blastocystis 2(3.9%) were found only in HIV/AIDS groups
Conclusion: I. belli, C. parvum, S. stercoralis and Blastocystis are the major opportunistic intestinal parasites observed in HIV/AIDS
patients. Therefore, early detection and treatment of these parasites are important to improve the quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients
with diarrhoea.
