[Opportunistic parasitic diseases in Africa. Clinical aspects and diagnosis]

Abstract

Opportunistic parasitic infections are diagnosed more and more often in African patients with AIDS. Cryptosporidiosis is the most frequent with a prevalence between 7 and 31%. The prevalence of Isospora belli is between 5 and 19% and that of strongyloidiasis between 2 and 5%, depending on the authors. These parasitic infections are probably one of the frequent causes of chronic diarrhea in Africa. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis and pneumocystosis are not well known. (Between 5 and 17% for toxoplasmosis and 29% for pneumocystosis). The diagnostic technics used are those currently known. Toxoplasmosis and pneumocystosis seen in these patients have the same presentations as those in developed countries.