1 research outputs found
Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasite infection by HIV infection status among asymptomatic adults in rural Gabon
Introduction: Intestinal parasites infections are endemic in Gabon.
Nevertheless, they are rarely described in people living with HIV
(PLHIV). Objective: The frequency of intestinal parasite infection was
estimated and compared between HIV-positive and HIV uninfected
individuals in Gabon; factors associated with intestinal parasites were
also analysed. Material and Methods: Using a cross-sectional study
design sociodemographic data, life style habits, antiretroviral
therapy, cotrimoxazole use and CD4 cell count were recorded.. Stool
samples from participants living in Koulamoutou and Oyem were analysed
using microscopy. Chi-squared or fisher\u2019s exact tests and
logistic regression were performed. Results: Among participants
(n=332), female gender was predominant (73.7%; n=135/183) and the
median age was 45 [33-57] years old. Among 183 samples, 53.6% (n =
98/183) were infected by intestinal parasites. The proportion was
higher (72.1%) in HIV negative participants compared to PLHIV (42.6%)
(p <0.01). PLHIV were more frequently poly-infected. Infection was
frequent in patients using external toilets and tap water (>70.0%).
Conclusion: Prevalence of intestinal parasites is higher in
seronegative participants but polyparasitism is more frequent in PLHIV.
Strategies are focused on HIV negative population, but this study shows
the importance of sensitization for PLHIV to improve their quality of
life