Intestinal parasite infestation in HIV infected patients

Abstract

One of the major health problems among HIV-infected patients is the intestinal parasite infestations. It can be seen that intestinal helminth infestation in HIV-infected patients is common. However, the reported prevalence is usually similar to those of non HIV-infected patients in the same setting. The infestations are ordinary not opportunistic, hence, thus usually show no correlation to immune status of the patients. The suppression of immunity due to HIV infection shows no significant role in increasing the intestinal helminth infestations. On the other hand, having occult intestinal helminth infestations does also not worsen the outcome of HIV infection. Concerning the clinical manifestation, most of the helminth infestations are asymptomatic and the diagnosis is usually based on the stool examination. Treatments of the infestations as well as the outcomes are usually similar to immunocompetent host. Intestinal protozoa infestations are also important problems for HIV-infected patients. Some infections are ordinary, while the others are opportunistic infection. The important opportunistic intestinal parasites including C. parvum, I. belli, Cyclospora and the Microsporidia are found at high prevalence among the HIV-infected patients, especially in low immune cases with persistent diarrhea. Concerning the clinical manifestation, most of the infestations bring diarrhea and the diagnosis is usually based on the stool examination with special stains. The treatment of the opportunistic infection can usually get control of the present illness but not prevent the re-infection. Luckily, with the present wide distribution of HAART, the prevalence of the opportunistic intestinal protozoa infections is significantly decreased.