Spectrum of opportunistic and other parasites among HIV/AIDS patients attending a tertiary care hospital

ObjectiveTo determine the spectrum of opportunistic as well as non-opportunistic parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients.MethodsA total of 250 HIV sero-positive individuals are included in study. Among them, 76 clinical cases of diarrhea and 8 clinically suspected cases of toxoplasmosis were identified. Fresh stool samples were collected in a suitable container on three consecutive days and processed immediately for identification of oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli and Cyclospora. Blood sample was collected from suspected cases of toxoplasmosis and tested for antitoxoplasma immunoglobulin M antibodies using immunoComb Toxo IgM test. Estimation of CD4 counts was also done by flow cytometry from these patients.ResultsThe opportunistic parasites identified in total HIV sero-positive patients were Cryptosporidium spp. (20.8%) and Isospora belli (0.8%). While the non-opportunistic parasite identified were Entamoeba histolytica (4%), Giardia intestinalis (1.6%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.8%). Toxoplasmosis was identified in 2.4% HIV sero-positive patients.ConclusionsIncreasing prevalence of parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients suggests that simple steps such as drinking safe water, maintaining high level of environmental and personal hygiene and avoiding contact with contaminated soil are necessary to prevent the occurrence of these diseases in AIDS patients