Enteric Parasitosis of HIV-positive Patients in Cameroon: A Case of the Regional Hospital of Bafoussam (Western Region)

Objectives: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes a progressive alteration of the immune system leading to increased susceptibility to infectious agents. A few studies have been done on gastrointestinal parasites in HIV-infected persons in Cameroon. However, these studies need to be updated. The objective of this study was to identify and determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in relation to associated factors in HIV+ patients at the Bafoussam Regional Hospital. 
Methods: The study was conducted from May to December 2021 on 240 patients aged from 3 to 73 years. Stool samples were tested for parasites and HIV viral loads were assessed in blood samples. 
Results: The analyses revealed that 58 (24.2%) patients were carriers of at least one parasite species. A total of 7 parasite species were identified, the most predominant being Entameba histolytica (12.62%) followed by Cryptosporidium spp (4.54%). A high majority, 91.3% had undetectable viral loads with the presence of intestinal parasitosis. However, the most infested patients were those with viral loads above 50 copies/ml. Concerning the duration of antiretroviral treatment, the rate of infestation was higher in patients with less than 12 months on treatment (OR=2.8; p=0.04). The prevalence of infestation was significantly higher in those under 20 years of age (OR = 5.13; p = 0.03). The distribution of gastrointestinal parasite species according to viral loads varied significantly for Blastocystis hominis and Dicrocoelum dendriticum with p<0.05. 
Conclusion: The presence of these parasites reveals that people living with HIV should be regularly screened and treated to improve their health status.