Prevalence Of Gastrointestinal Parasites In Hiv Positive Patients Attending Alive Medical Services, Kampala Capital City Authority

ABSTRACT

Intestinal parasites are amongst the common infections worldwide, it is estimated that 3.5

billion are affected and 450 million are ill as a result of these infections. At Alive medical

services the prevalence estimates are not known. A cross sectional descriptive study was

carried out at Alive Medical center between 3rd August 2014 and 10th October 2014 to

determine the prevalence of gastro intestinal parasites in HIV positive patients, the age

group and sex most affected and identify the type of the parasites.

A total of 280 HIV positive patients participated in the study from which demographic data

using properly filled laboratory request forms and stool samples were collected. The stool

samples were examined for presence of parasites using both wet preparation technique and

modified ZN staining technique. Data obtained was analyzed and illustrated using

Microsoft excel and SPSS .

Of the 280 patients that participated in the study, 76(27.14%) were positive for intestinal

parasites. The most common pathogen found was Giardia lamblia with 32.3%,

Entamoeba histolytica (22.5%) , Entamoeba coli (23.7%), strongyloides stercolaris

(3.7%), Cryptosporidium oocysts (11.2%), Cyclospora oocysts (3.75%) and Isospora

oocysts (2.54%) . Mixed infection of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba coli(4 participants),

Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica (1 participant) Giardia lamblia and

Cryptosporidium oocysts (2 participants) were noted and one case of multiple parasitic

infecteion was also obtained (4 parasites of Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli,Strongyloides

stercolaris and Cryptosporidium Oocysts).

The most affected age group was 31-40 and least was 11-20. Majority of the participants

were females and recorded a high positivity (61.8%) compared to males (38.2%).

Routine screening for intestinal parasites in all HIV positive patients, treatment of the sick,

health education and routine deworming would help in controlling these intestinal parasites

among this group of patients.