Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Parts of South East Nigeria among HIV Infected Individuals

HIV-positive individuals are especially vulnerable to enteric parasitic infections and are at greater risk when infected with enteric parasite. It is a common occurrence within the population constituting a public health challenge. Behavioral and social demographic factors have made Africans to harbor the greatest burden of enteric parasite. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing the behavioral and social demographic factors associated with parasitic infections in parts of South East Nigeria among HIV infected individuals. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 535 patients from various governments tertiary health institutions with HIV referral and centre for HIV/AIDS management under President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in South East Nigeria (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo) from September 2018 to December 2023. These included FMC-Umuahia, NAUTH-Nnewi, FMC-Abakaliki UNTH-Enugu and FMC-Owerri. The stool and blood samples of 535 participants were examined using standard methods for parasitology and haematology according to World Health Organisdation (WHO). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was determined to be 43.2% (231) after screening 535 stool samples. Ascaris lumbricoides followed by hookworm emerged as the most prevalent parasites 77(33.3%) and 69 (29.9%) respectively while S. japonicum, T.trichuria, and E. vermicularis, each had a low prevalence of 0.9% (2 cases). Farmers followed by artisans were having more prevalence rate while professional was the least. Age group (41-50) followed by (31-40) years had the highest rate while (81-90) years had the least. Rural dwelling, poor sources of water (stream), open/field system of toilet facilities and residential status (overcrowding) pose high risk of parasitic infestation amongst the study group. High intensity of parasitic infestation had serious adverse effect on the CD4+ count and haemoglobin level of the infected individuals.