Epidemiology of Coccidian Parasites in HIV Patients of Northern Uganda
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2015, Vol 7, Issue 11
Abstract
Aim: The epidemiology of coccidian parasites in HIV patients of sub-sahara Africa is poorly understood. This study aimed at determining the epidemiology of coccidian parasites and their associated risk factors. This was a cross sectional study carried out in Arua district in West Nile region of Northern Uganda for a period of five months. Materials and Methods: Participants in the study included HIV positive patients presenting with diarrhea. A total of 111 patients were included and classified into children, middle aged and adults. A structured questionnaire was administered, stool samples were obtained using sterile stool containers and laboratory analysis carried out using modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique (ZN). Ethical clearance was acquired and the consent of the patients was sought. Results and Discussion: Prevalence of Coccidian parasites among HIV patients was found to be 5.4% and Cryptosporidium parvum showed more prevalence than Isospora belli and Cyclospora cayatenensis i.e. (3.6%), (1.8%) and (0.0%) respectively. Most Cryptosporidium parvum infections occurred in children (13.6%) compared to adults (3.3%); with a significant relationship of (p = 0.02). The infection was higher in females (7.1%) than males (2.4%) (p = 0.19). The major risk factors associated with the disease were mainly consumption of contaminated and un-boiled water from taps and boreholes. HIV patients who took co-trimoxazole and drunk boiled water were shown to have a low prevalence of coccidian parasites of 1.9% and 2.6% respectively (p<0.05). This is because co-trimoxazole is a prophylactic drug for opportunistic infections and proper boiling of drinking water kills coccidian parasites. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study highlighted the importance and need to screen for coccidian parasites and emphasis on regular taking of prophylactic treatment as a way of controlling opportunistic infections in HIV patients. Future prevalence studies of Coccidia amongst healthy, HIV sero-negative children and adults of similar age groups in similar settings are recommended to ratify the relationship.
Authors and Affiliations
Isaac Echoru, Lule Herman, Lisa Micheni, Mulkah O. Ajagun-Ogunleye, Muhamudu Kalange, Keneth Iceland Kasozi
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP348033
- DOI 10.9734/BJMMR/2015/15959
- Views 63
- Downloads 0
Screening of Random Blood Sugar in Women: A Critical View
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders of carbohydrate metabolism in which glucose is underused, producing hyperglycemia. 250 million people currently have diabetes, by 2025 this number will reach 280 millio...
Hepatic Antioxidant Effect of Paroxetine in Rats Exposed to Chronic Restraint Model
Depressed mood, with its accompanying mental and physical stresses, could affect the progression and severity of several diseases e.g. hypertension, myocardial infarction, gastritis, peptic ulcer. The present animal stud...
The Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease in Pre-Term Infants
This mini-review summarises the risk factors for acquiring Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) infection, and describes the harmful effects of the infection in pre-term infants. Moreover, theoretical considerations are dis...
Traditional Medicine and Modern Medicine: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Medical Students and Their Mothers in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia
Background: Traditional remedies are mostly used as auto-medications for the treatment of physical diseases not only in Saudi Arabia but also worldwide. The traditional preparations are also prescribed by practitioners t...
Differentiation of Hemodynamics of Top Athletes Depending on Heart Rate Variability after Training
Aims: To predict the functional status of the cardiorespiratory system of athletes based on results of responses to exercise. Study Design: Case-control study. Place and Duration of Study: Palace of Sports "Dynamo" in Lv...