Objectives: Enteric parasites are a major cause of diarrhoea in HIV/AIDS patients with low
CD4 counts. Parasitic infections in HIV-infected individuals can reduce their quality of life and
life span, especially those who are severely immunosuppressed with a CD4 T-lymphocyte count
< 200cells/µl. This study presents CD4 counts and enteric parasitic infections in HIV-infected
individuals.
Methodology: A total of 480 subjects were recruited at the General Hospital, Nasssarawa
Toto, Nigeria. Stool samples collected were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically for
consistency and the presence of enteric parasites; while the accompanying CD4 values were
enumerated using the coulter manual CD4 count method.
Results: The overall prevalence rate of enteroparasites was 24% (115/480). The parasites
detected were Hookworm (6.5%), Entamoeba histolytica (4.4%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.9%),
Giardia lamblia (2.5%), Entamoeba coli (2.3%), Isospora belli (1.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis
(1.0%), Faciola spp. (1.0%), Dipylidium caninum (0.6%), Cyclospora spp. (0.4%), Ascaris
lumbricoides (0.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.2%). Most (80%) of the patients infected
with these parasites had a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/µl. Similarly, majority (65%) of
patients with diarrhoea had a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/µl. Patients with CD4 counts of
201 cells/µl and above were less affected. However, these differences were not statistically
significant (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Low CD4 counts in HIV-infected patients can lead to enteric infections. This
information strengthens the importance of monitoring CD4 counts and intestinal parasites.
Routine CD4 testing will greatly improve the prognosis of HIV positive patients.