Non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections among HIV-infected individuals at Wolaita Sodo Hospital,

Objective: To determine the prevalence of non-opportunistic intestinal helminthic and protozoal infections among HIV-infected individuals and to determine socio-demographic determinants of intestinal parasitosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on HIV-infected individuals attending anti- retroviral therapy clinic of Wolaita Sodo Hospital. Stool in wet mount preparation and formal- ether concentration technique were used to diagnose intestinal parasitic infection. Socio- demographic variables were collected by using questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to test the associations between intestinal parasitosis and socio-demographic variables. Results: The overall prevalence of non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infection was 32.4% out of which 11.0% was protozoal infection and 21.4% was helminthic infection. The most common intestinal parasite detected was Ascaris lumbricoides with 12.7% prevalence followed by Giardia lamblia with 7.5% prevalence. The prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis, hookworm species, Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Schistosoma mansoni and Taenia species was 2.9%, 1.2%, 3.5%, 1.7% and 2.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in prevalence of intestinal parasite infection with regard to age, sex, residence area, job type and religion of participants but there was a significant association between the educational status and intestinal parasitic infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was higher among illiterate participants. Conclusions: Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common intestinal parasite detected in HIV- infected individuals. Giardia lamblia was the most common protozoal parasite observed. Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection was higher than protozoal infection. Intestinal parasitosis was significantly associated with an educational status of individuals.