Prevalence of intestinal parasitic pathogens in HIV-seropositive individuals in Northern India.
To assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive subjects, fecal samples were collected from 120 HIV-seropositive patients and were analyzed for various intestinal parasites. Thirty-six patients (30%) were found to harbor an intestinal parasite. Cryptosporidium parvum was the most common (10.8%), followed by Giardia lamblia (8.3%). Cyclospora cayetanensis and Blastocystis hominis each were detected in 3.3% of the patients, while Isospora belli and Enterocytozoon bieneusi were each detected in 2.5% of the patients. The other parasites observed were Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar in two cases and hookworm ova in one patient. Of the 36 patients who tested positive for intestinal parasites, 27 (75%) had diarrhea. The most common parasite, which was associated with diarrhea, was C. parvum. The present study highlights the importance of testing for intestinal parasites in patients who are HIV-positive, and emphasizes the necessity of increasing awareness among clinicians regarding the occurrence of these parasites in this population.
Mohandas
Department of Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Sehgal
Rakesh
R
Sud
Archana
A
Malla
Nancy
N
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D000818:Animals; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000469:parasitology*; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology; D006376:Helminths / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology