Prevalence of Isospora belli and Cryptosporidium parvum Infections among HIV Sero-positive Patients in Asella Hospital, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Isospora belli and Cryptosporidium parvum are among the well-defined intracellular, spore-forming, coccidian opportunistic intestinal parasites that cause chronic or acute diarrhea and other life-threatening symptoms in HIV/AIDS patients particularly those with low CD4 count. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of I. belli and C. parvum among HIV/AIDS sero-positive patients. A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted at Asella Hospital from January to March, 2013. Stool samples were aseptically collected from 384 study subjects using stool cup and examined in Asella Hospital medical laboratory. The stool samples were examined using direct wet mount techniques and modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. The overall prevalence of I. belli and C. parvum infections was 10.4 and 17.7%, respectively. The prevalence of I. belli infection among males and females was 3.9 and 6.5%, respectively; while the prevalence of C. parvum infection was 7.3 and 10.4%, among males and females respectively. The prevalence of OIPP infections between both sexes, among all age groups was not statically significant (P = 0.608 and P = 0.406 for I. belli and C. parvum, respectively). Lower CD4 counts (< 200 cells/μL) (P = 0.000), being pre-ART (P = 0.001), diarrheal manifestations (P = 0.002), using unprotected water sources (P = 0.037) and absence of latrine facilities (P = 0.040) were the significant risk factors strongly associated with contracting C. parvum and I. belli infections. Therefore, public health measures and adherence to ART should be strengthened to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Keywords: ART, C. parvum, HAART, HIV/AIDS, I. belli, prevalence, risk-factors