PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITE WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON OPPORTUNISTIC INTESTINAL COCCIDIA AND PREDISPOSING FACTORS AMONG HIV PATIENTS ATTENDING ART CLINIC AT WORABE COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, WORABE CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes CD4+ T cell depletion and immune system thinning in humans, which increases the vulnerability of HIV patients to opportunistic and other intestinal parasites known to cause diarrhea that can be severe and persistent, leading to dehydration, abnormal electrolyte levels , weight loss, and malabsorption. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine prevalence of intestinal coccidia and other intestinal parasites and risk factors among Human Immunodeficiency Virus patients monitoring their disease status at ART clinics. Materials and Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 Human Immunodeficiency Virus patients attending Anti-Retroviral Therapy clinic at Worabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from May 2022 to September 2023. Convenient sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Stool specimens were processed for parasitological examination. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered into Epi-info and analyzed by SPSS version 26 software. A p-value <0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression was considered as statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 34.5%. Eleven different intestinal parasite species were detected. Prevalence of intestinal coccidian in present study was 8.25%. Cryptosporidium spp. 7.7% and Isospora belli 0.5% were identified intestinal coccidian. In multivariate analysis ,educational status; No formal education , animal contact , ART starting time ; <2 years duration on Anti-Retroviral Therapy ,history of diarrhea and CD4 level; 201-499 cell/mm3 were significantly associated variables with prevalence of intestinal parasite among study subject. Conclusions and Recommendations: Intestinal coccidia and other intestinal parasitic infections are still common health problems among HIV patients in the study area. Thus, the health professionals need to give attention to parasitological examinations in the routine treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus patients by using specific as well high sensitivity test. Moreover, adherence to Anti-retroviral therapy should strengthen to improve the immune status