Demographic profile of HIV and helminth-coinfected adults in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

BACKGROUND: Helminth and HIV infections are endemic among poor populations. Studies investigating the socio-demographic and economic risk factors associated with dual HIV and helminth coinfection are scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe risk factors associated with HIV and helminth coinfections among peri-urban South African adults residing in poorly developed areas with high poverty levels, lack of sanitation and a clean water supply. METHOD: Adult participants (n = 414) were recruited from clinics in the south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants’ demographic, socio-economic, sanitation and household information, anthropometric measurements and HIV status were collected. Stool samples were donated for coproscopy to detect helminths using the Kato-Katz and Mini Parasep techniques. Blood was collected to confirm participants’ HIV status and to determine Ascaris lumbricoides-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels to improve microscopy sensitivity. RESULTS: Overall coinfection was 15%, and single helminth and HIV prevalence were 33% and 52%, respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was predominant (18%). Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that coinfection was 11.9% and 19.8%, respectively, among the 18–34 years and 35–59 years age groups (p = 0.0006), 16.4% and 19.9%, respectively, for the no income and < R1000.00 groups (p = 0.0358) and 22.8% and 17.1%, respectively, for the pit or public toilets and toilets not connected to sewage groups (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that the dual infection with HIV and helminth infections among adults residing in under-resourced areas with poor sanitary conditions is frequent. Older age, poor toilet use and low income are associated with coinfection. More attention is required to break the cycle of coinfections and possible disease interactions. CONTRIBUTION: The study highlights the importance of determining and treating helminth infections among adult population during HIV and helminth coinfection and the influence of poor sanitation and socioeconomic status on disease transmission.