scholarly journals Prevalence and Determinants of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care in Kasoa Polyclinic, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Albert Abaka-Yawson ◽  
Solomon Quarshie Sosu ◽  
Precious Kwablah Kwadzokpui ◽  
Salomey Afari ◽  
Samuel Adusei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Stool Examination ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections

Background. Intestinal parasitic infections affect pregnant women worldwide. The infection has been implicated in causing life-threatening conditions in both gravid women and their developing foetus. Sub-Saharan Africa is known to harbor the greatest proportion of intestinal parasitic infections largely due to socioeconomic and environmental factors. In Kasoa, Southern Ghana, there is paucity of data on the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Kasoa Polyclinic. Methods. A hospital based analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among three hundred (300) conveniently sampled pregnant women receiving antenatal care services at the Kasoa Polyclinic. Structured questionnaires were administered to the study participants to assess sociodemographic and other possible factors. Stool samples were collected from each pregnant woman and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by microscopy using direct wet mount as well as formol-ether sedimentation techniques. Results. Overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 14.3% (95% CI 11–19%). Entamoeba histolytica (5.0%) was the most predominant parasite species identified followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (4.3%), Giardia lamblia (2.3%), Trichuris trichiura (1.3%), Schistosoma mansoni (0.3%), Hookworm (0.3%), Hymenolepis nana (0.3%), and Isospora belli (0.3%). Age > 30 years (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.06–0.48; p=0.001), multigravidity (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.19–0.97; p=0.043), and 2nd and 3rd trimesters (AOR = 4.73, 95% CI = 1.36–16.49; p=0.015) were independently associated with intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women. Conclusions. A prevalence of 14.3% pregnant women compared to previous studies in Ghana is relatively low. It however suggests that intestinal parasitic infection is still a problem. The major factors noted were age, gravidity, and gestational age. Routine stool examination and provision of public health education are recommended to prevent infection of pregnant mothers and their unborn babies.

scholarly journals Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zelalem Animaw ◽  
Addisu Melese ◽  
Habtamu Demelash ◽  
Girma Seyoum ◽  
Abiy Abebe
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Stool Examination ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are public health problems widely distributed in the world and cause significant morbidity and mortality; many of which occur among women of reproductive age. IPIs caused by helminthes and protozoan parasites are common among pregnant women. Data on the national pooled prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors during pregnancy is not documented well in Ethiopia. This review aims at summarizing evidences on the burden of IPIs and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods Published and unpublished studies were thoroughly searched at MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane library and Science Direct. In addition, repositories of Addis Ababa, Gondar and Jimma Universities were searched. Eligible studies were selected following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline. The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasites and summary odds ratios (ORs) were determined with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Sub-groups analyses were done based on study region, types of parasites, methods of stool examination and study setting. The statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 14.0 software. Results Among 168 retrieved studies, 31 studies with a total population of 12,118 pregnant women were included. The estimated pooled prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 27.32 % (95 % CI: 20.61, 33.87 %). In the subgroup analysis, Oromia and Amhara regions had the highest prevalence with a 29.78 % (95 % CI: 15.97, 43.60) and 29.63 % (95 % CI: 15.37, 43.89); respectively. In addition, studies conducted in the community showed higher prevalence than institution based studies (49.93 % Vs 24.84 %; respectively). The most prevalent type of intestinal parasite identified were Hookworm followed by Ascaris lumbricoides with a pooled prevalence of 11.2 and 10.34 %, respectively. In our analysis; residence, being bare footed, lack of hand washing habit and eating uncooked/raw vegetables were significantly associated with IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Conclusions Prevalence of IPIs during pregnancy is relatively high in Ethiopia. Poor hygienic practices were identified as risk factors. Based on our finding, targeted preventive measures shall be considered so as to prevent morbidity and mortality due to IPIs.

What are Hidden Facts behind Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Ilam City?

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 284-287
Author(s):  
S. Viesy ◽  
J. Abdi ◽  
Z. Rezaei
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Public Health Education ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Blastocystis Hominis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Number Of Patients

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are the one of the most common health problems in developing countries. Objective: A number of patients die annually due to complications caused by these parasites.Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the rate and type of parasitic infections, determine the factors affecting them in Ilam city and also provide strategies to prevent them.In this descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in one of the Ilam labs in 2016, 417 stool specimens were randomly collected. All specimens were examined using direct and ethanol formaldehyde.Suspect specimens were examined using Trichrom staining. Demographic information was also recorded in a questionnaire, and finally the results were analyzed using statistical software SPSS 20.The data were then compared with Chi-square test. Results: Out of the 417 patients examined, 59 (14.1%) were infected with intestinal parasites. The type of parasitic infection in 9.4% was Blastocystis hominis, 3.6% Entamoeba coli, 0.5% Entamoeba histolytica, 0.5% Giardia and 0.2% Trichomonas hominis. Conclusion: Despite the improvement of public health, parasitic infections are still considered as one of the health problems in the city of Ilam. Therefore, proper planning, public health education, raising the level of health in the area and the provision of safe drinking water are some of the ways to reduce parasitic infections in the region.

scholarly journals National State Survey to identify the presence of intestinal parasitic infections of mixed randomized patients as prevention who attended the IMSS laboratory

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Arcelia González-García ◽  
Claudia Hernández-Salas ◽  
Rosa Maria Martínez-Ortiz ◽  
Lilia González-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Intestinal Parasitosis

Introduction: Nowadays in our state, intestinal parasitic diseases are still endemic, with a greater frequency in rural and mountainous urban areas. After the years have elapsed since the last national survey, it was necessary to carry out a new survey to know the prevalence rates of intestinal parasitosis and to compare the results obtained between both studies. Such knowledge would be of great value in developing health strategies and designing intestinal parasitic infection control programs. Objective: to determine the current prevalence rates of intestinal parasites, to compare the results with those of the survey obtained. Methods: a random cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out during the months of December 2018 to March 2019 in a random sample of both sexes from the population of urban communities and the province of Zacatecas, Zac. Each one had a stool sample collected that was analyzed by the direct examination method, the Willis concentration technique, and the Kato-Katz examination; A questionnaire was also applied to them. Results: when comparing the results of the national and state surveys of intestinal parasitic infections carried out in 2009 and 2018, it was found that, in general, infections by parasites decreased, both helminths and pathogenic protozoa, although those infected with commensals increased their frequency in that of 2019. There was also a decrease in the frequency of infections by all species of soil-transmitted helminths, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, ancylostomideos, and Strongyloides stercoralis, as well as by the pathogenic protozoa Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolitica. Conclusions: when comparing the results of national and state surveys of intestinal parasite infections carried out in 2018 and 2019, it was found that in general the frequencies of infections with intestinal parasites decreased. The finding in both studies of a higher frequency of infection with parasites or commensals in the group aged 5 to 14 years (school age), supports the recommendation to place emphasis on control programs for intestinal parasites in this age group.

scholarly journals Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among patients attending at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: An institutional-based cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247075
Author(s):  
Tahir Eyayu ◽  
Teklehaimanot Kiros ◽  
Lemma Workineh ◽  
Meslo Sema ◽  
Shewaneh Damtie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Intestinal Parasitosis ◽  
Primary Hospital ◽  
Study Participants

Background Intestinal Parasitic Infections are the most prevalent diseases in the world, predominantly in developing countries. It is estimated that more than two billion people are affected globally, mostly in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. Ethiopia is one of the countries in Africa with a high prevalence of intestinal parasites. However, there is a limited study conducted in the study area. Hence, this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitosis among patients attending at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Sanja Primary Hospital from January 1 to August 20, 2019. Stool samples were collected from 1240 study participants and analyzed by direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Furthermore, sociodemographic and explanatory variables were collected using a face-to-face interview. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.4.2.1 and transferred to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered to ascertain the significance of the association. Results The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 52.9% (95% CI: 50.2%-55.5%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (21.5%) was the leading cause of intestinal parasitosis followed by Hookworm species (13.3%). Furthermore, the rate of double and triple parasitic infections was observed in 6.1% and 0.5% of study participants respectively. Being Illiterate (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.06–7.47, p = 0.038), swimming habits of more than 4 times a month (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.62–5.24, p< 0.001) and not washing hands before a meal (AOR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.74–8.83, p = 0.001) were the key factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Conclusions The present study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis is high in the study area. Therefore, there is a need for an integrated control program, including improving personal, environmental sanitation and health education should be given to have a lasting impact on transmission.

scholarly journals Intestinal parasite infections and associated factors among inmates of Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia: cross sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemechu Ameya ◽  
Zerihun Zerdo ◽  
Mihret Tesfaye ◽  
Chimdo Jabesa ◽  
Abayneh Awaje ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giardia Lamblia ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence

Abstract Background Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the parasitic infections affecting people living in prison. Helminths and intestinal protozoan infections are the most common parasitic infection that may cause serious life-threatening diseases in inmates living in developing countries. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among inmates living in Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia. Methods Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted on Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather the data of socio-demographic characteristics, hygiene status of the prisoners, sanitation condition of the prison, and associated factors for IPIs by face to face interview. Direct wet-mount examination and formol-ether sedimentation techniques were used to examine intestinal parasitic infection from stool specimens. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to see the association between different variables and the IPI. Odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to determine the presence association and strength of the associated factors. Result A total of 320 prisoners were participated in this study. Of these, 154(48.1%) of them were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. Eight different intestinal parasites species were identified and Giardia lamblia was the predominant parasite. Among infected inmates, nearly one out of four of them had multiple parasitic infections dominated by Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica/dispar co-infection. Sleeping in group [AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: (1.0–3.8)], married prisoners [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: (1.1–2.9)], and hand washing habits after handling soil [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: (1.0–5.6)] were independently associated with IPI. Conclusion High prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was detected in Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Absence of hand washing, marital status, and way of sleeping were the factors associated with the IPI. Implementation of mass drug administration, education on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and periodic screening of intestinal parasitic infection is very important to reduce the high prevalence IPIs in prison.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors Among Street Children in Jimma Town; South West Ethiopia in 2019: A Cross Sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabit Zenu Siraj ◽  
Eshetu Alemayehu ◽  
Kifle Woldemichael
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Street Children ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Jimma Town

Abstract Background Street child is any child whose age is less than 18 years for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood, is inadequately protected, supervised or directed by responsible adults. In Ethiopia the health problems of street children are given poor attention in research. This problem is pronounced when it comes to intestinal parasitic infections. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma town in the year 2019.Methods: Community based cross sectional study was employed. Complete enumeration was used to include 312 street children. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Stool samples were examined by wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Significance of association was decided by using the 95% confidence interval of AOR and P-value of ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable model. Result: A total of 312 children of the street were involved in the study making the response rate 96.2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 66.7%. Untrimmed finger nails AOR=2.03;95%CI (1.02-4.06), eating street food AOR=2.24;95% CI (1.04-5.02), practice of swimming in unprotected water bodies AOR=2.5; 95% CI (1.24-5.04), not wearing shoes at the time of data collection AOR= 3.8;95% CI (1.8-8.2) and lacking knowledge of way of transmission of intestinal parasites AOR= 2.5; 95% CI (1.25- 5.0) were significantly associated with parasitic infections. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street children in the study area was high and require integrated interventions to avert the problem. Factors like untrimmed finger nails, swimming practice, eating street foods, shoe wearing and lacking knowledge of ways of transmission of intestinal parasitic infections are associated with infection status. Measures has to be taken to curb the problem by including them in mass drug administration and targeted health education towards identified factors.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors Among Street Children in Jimma Town in 2019: A Cross Sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabit Zenu Siraj ◽  
Eshetu Alemayehu ◽  
Kifle Woldemichael
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Street Children ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Jimma Town

Abstract Background Street child is any child whose age is less than 18 years for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood, is inadequately protected, supervised or directed by responsible adults. In Ethiopia the health problems of street children are given poor attention in research. This problem is pronounced when it comes to intestinal parasitic infections . The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma town in the year 2019. Methods and Materials: Community based cross sectional study was employed. Complete enumeration was used to include 312 street children. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Stool samples were examined by wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Significance of association was decided by using the 95% confidence interval of AOR and P-value of ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable model. Result: A total of 312 children of the street were involved in the study making the response rate 96.2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 66.7%. Untrimmed finger nails AOR=2.03;95%CI (1.02-4.06), eating street food AOR=2.24;95% CI (1.04-5.02), practice of swimming in unprotected water bodies AOR=2.5; 95% CI (1.24-5.04), not wearing shoes at the time of data collection AOR= 3.8;95% CI (1.8-8.2) and lacking knowledge of way of transmission of intestinal parasites AOR= 2.5; 95% CI (1.25- 5.0) were significantly associated with parasitic infections. Conclusion and Recommendations: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street children in the study area was high and require integrated interventions to avert the problem. Factors like untrimmed finger nails, swimming practice, eating street foods, shoe wearing and lacking knowledge of ways of transmission of intestinal parasitic infections are associated with infection status. Measures has to be taken to curb the problem by including them in mass drug administration and targeted health education towards identified factors. Key words : Street children, Intestinal parasites, Jimma

scholarly journals Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Its Associated Factors among Food Handlers in Ginnir Town, Bale Zone, Southeast, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asfaw Negero ◽  
Tomas Benti ◽  
Solomon Taye
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Intestinal Parasitosis ◽  
Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infections in the developing world. Globally, out of the 1.5 billion annual cases of diarrhea, about 70% or 1.05 billion cases are thought to be caused by biological contamination of food. In Ethiopia, due to poor environmental sanitation, low awareness about personal hygiene, lack of pure potable water, and improper faecal disposal, intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers working in food and drinking establishments in Ginnir town, southeast, Ethiopia.Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed from May 1 to May 29, 2014 in food and drinking establishments in Ginnir town. A total of 348 food handlers were enrolled and stool specimens were collected, and examined using direct saline and formol-ether concentration methods. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. A P-value <0.05 was considered as an indicator of statistical significance.Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers was 48/348 (13.8%) [95%, CI=6.8-20.6]. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 23/348 (6.6%) followed by Giardia lamblia 16/348 (4.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides 7/348 (2.0%) and Strongyloides stercolaris 2/348 (0.6%) were the detected parasites. Moreover, amongst positives for intestinal parasites, comparable proportions of parasites were detected in males (52%) and females (48%). Habit of eating raw/under cooked vegetables (p=0.00; aOR=2.60; 95%, CI=1.94-8.67), hand washing habit before eating (p=0.03; aOR=1.22; 95%, CI=1.01-3.89), hand washing habit after visiting toilet (p=0.01; aOR=2.85; 95%, CI=2.06-8.31), hand washing habit before food preparation (p=0.02; aOR=1.85; 95%, CI=1.27-4.34) and poor personal hygiene (p=0.00; aOR=3.39; 95%, CI=1.51-10.23) were factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections.Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers was relatively low. Though the prevalence was low; regular medical check-up, training and health education on safe food handling and processing should be given to all food handlers.

scholarly journals Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and associated factors among the elderly

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Honório Silva Santos ◽  
Rita de Cássia Santos Barros ◽  
Kátia Virgínia Galvão Gomes ◽  
Adriana Alves Nery ◽  
Cezar Augusto Casotti
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Intestinal Parasitosis

Abstract Objective: To identify the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and associated factors in elderly persons resident in the community. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed involving 236 elderly persons in Aiquara, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, in 2015. Data were collected through a coprological survey and a questionnaire for information relating to sociodemographic characteristics, health and lifestyle. The presence of parasites in stools was verified by the Hoffman method. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites among the elderly was 30.5%. Among infected elderly persons, 26.3% had monoparasitism, 3.8% biparasitism and 0.4% polyparasitism. There was a predominance of protozoa (80.8%) over helminths (19.2%). The most prevalent parasites were Entamoeba coli (44.6%); Endolimax nana (21.7%) and Iodamoeba bütschlii (14.5%). In the population studied, the independent variables analyzed were not associated (p>0.05) with the presence of intestinal parasites. Conclusion: the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in elderly people living in the urban area of the municipal region of Aiquara, Bahia, was high and there was no association between intestinal parasites and sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle or health.

scholarly journals Prevalence of parasitic infections in HIV-positive patients in southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 868-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sintayehu Fekadu ◽  
Kefyalew Taye ◽  
Wondu Teshome ◽  
Solomon Asnake
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Diarrhea ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Hiv Aids

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infectionsare a major public health burden in tropical countries. Although all HIV/AIDS patients are susceptible to parasitic infections, those having lower immune status are at greater risk. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in patients living with HIV/AIDS. Methodology: This was a facility-based cross-sectional study. A total of 343 consecutively sampled HIV/AIDS patients from the HIV care clinic of Hawassa University Referral Hospital were included. Subjects were interviewed for demographic variables and diarrheal symptoms using structured questionnaires. Stool examinations and CD4 cells counts were also performed. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 47.8% among HIV/AIDS patients;  single helminthic infection prevalence (22.7%) was higher than that the prevalence of protozoal infections (14.6%). About 54% of study participants had chronic diarrhea while 3.4% had acute diarrhea. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients with chronic diarrhea was significantly higher than in acute diarrhea (p <0.05). Non-opportunistic intestinal parasite infections such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia spp., and hookworm were commonlyfound, regardless of immunestatus or diarrheal symptoms. Opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infection were more frequent in patients with a CD4 count of <200/mm3 (OR=9.5; 95% CI: 4.64-19.47) when compared with patients with CD4 counts of >=500 cells/mm3. Conclusions: Intestinal parasitic infections should be suspected in HIV/AIDS-infected patients with advanced disease presenting with chronic diarrhea. Patients with low CD4 counts should be examined critically for intestinal parasites, regardless of diarrheal status.

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