Intestinal Parasites Infections among HIV Infected Children Under Antiretrovirals Treatment in Yaounde, Cameroon

• Published in: Journal of tropical pediatrics (1980) Vol. 66; no. 2; pp. 178 - 186
• Main Authors: Abange, William Baiye, Nkenfou, Celine Nguefeu, Gonsu Kamga, Hortense, Nguedia, Clement Assob, Kamgaing, Nelly, Lozupone, Catherine, Sosso, Samuel Martin, Kamgaing, Rachel, Fosso, Samuel, Essomba, Arthur, Ndjolo, Alexis, Koki, Paul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01-04-2020
• Subjects: intestinal parasites; CD4 T-lymphocytes; HIV infected children; ART/prophylactic co-trimoxazole
• ISSN: 0142-6338; 1465-3664
• DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmz048

Abstract
Background
Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common communicable diseases worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes dysregulation of the immune system through the depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes which gives rise to opportunistic infections.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2018. Stool and blood samples were collected from participants aged 1 to 19. Stool samples were analyzed for intestinal parasites. Blood samples were analyzed for HIV and CD4 + T cell counts.
Results
Out of 214 children enrolled, 119 (55.6%) were HIV infected and 95 (44.4%) were HIV non-infected. All infected children were on antiretroviral treatment (ART). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 20.2% in HIV infected and 15.8% in non-infected children. Among the 119 HIV infected children, 33 (27.7%) of them had a CD4+ T cell count less than 500 cells/mm3, and amongst them 5.9% had CD4+ T cell count less than 200 cells/mm3. Among HIV infected children, Cryptosporidium spp. was frequently detected, 7/119 (5.9%), followed by Giardia lamblia 5/119 (4.2%) then Blastocystis hominis 3/119 (2.5%) and Entamoeba coli 3/119 (2.5%). Participants on ART and prophylactic co-trimoxazole for >10 years had little or no parasite infestation.
Conclusions
Although ART treatment in combination with prophylactic co-trimoxazole reduces the risk of parasitic infection, 20.2% of HIV infected children harbored intestinal parasites including Cryptosporidium spp. Stool analysis may be routinely carried out in order to treat detected cases of opportunistic parasites and such improve more on the life quality of HIV infected children.