Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among HIV Positive Patients Visiting Nekemte Specialized Hospital, Western Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasites are endemic in many regions of the world where Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients are prevalent. This study aimed to assess the extent of intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) and predisposing factors among HIV positive patients visiting Nekemte Specialized Hospital, Western Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV positive patients and HIV negative controls who visited Nekemte Specialized Hospital from April to August 2020. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and risk-factor data. Stool samples and blood were collected and tested. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The occurrence of IPIs was considerably higher (73.3%) among HIV positive subjects compared to HIV negative controls (22.7%). Rate of infection with IPI was higher in individuals with CD4+ T cell count < 200 cells/μL. The species-specific distribution of parasites among HIV positive was higher for Giardia lamblia 35% followed by Entamoeba histolytica, 16% and hookworm 17.5%. Among the risk factors; age, educational status and occupation were significantly related with IPI (P<0.05). Habit of washing hands (OR=1.146, 95% CI: 0.189–1.936) and contact with animals (OR=2.926, 95% CI: 1.955–4.380) were expressively associated with IPI. Furthermore, eating raw meat, lack of safe water sources and usage were meaningfully connected with IPIs with OR=1.203, 95% CI: 0.590–2.454 and OR=0.172, 95% CI: 0.112–0.263, respectively. CONCLUSION: HIV positive individuals were highly affected by IPI than HIV negative controls. The spreading of intestinal parasites was critically affected by reduced CD4+ T cell counts. Consistent screening and treatment of IPIs and awareness creation is very vital in improving the overall quality life of HIV/AIDS patients.