scholarly journals Intestinal helminth infections amongst HIV-infected adults in Mthatha General Hospital, South Africa

Author(s):  
Olukayode A. Adeleke ◽  
Parimalaranie Yogeswaran ◽  
Graham Wright

Background: In South Africa, studies on the prevalence of intestinal helminth co-infection amongst HIV-infected patients as well as possible interactions between these two infection sare limited.Aim: To investigate the prevalence of intestinal helminth infestation amongst adults living with HIV or AIDS at Mthatha General Hospital.Setting: Study participants were recruited at the outpatient department of Mthatha General Hospital, Mthatha, South Africa.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2013 amongst consecutive consenting HIV-positive adult patients. Socio-demographic and clinical information were obtained using data collection forms and structured interviews. Stool samples were collected to investigate the presence of helminths whilst blood samples were obtained for the measurement of CD4+ T-cell count and viral load.Results: Data were obtained on 231 participants, with a mean age of 34.9 years, a mean CD4 count of 348 cells/μL and a mean viral load of 4.8 log10 copies/mL. Intestinal helminth prevalence was 24.7%, with Ascaris Lumbricoides (42.1%) the most prevalent identified species. Statistically significant association was found between CD4 count of less than 200 cells/ μLand helminth infection (p = 0.05). No statistically significant association was found between intestinal helminth infection and the mean CD4 count (p = 0.79) or the mean viral load (p = 0.98).Conclusion: A high prevalence of intestinal helminth infections was observed amongst the study population. Therefore, screening and treatment of helminths should be considered as part of the management of HIV and AIDS in primary health care.

Author(s):  
Margarete Arrais ◽  
Ofélia Lulua ◽  
Francisca Quifica ◽  
José Rosado-Pinto ◽  
Jorge M. R. Gama ◽  
...  

Epidemiological studies have shown conflicting findings on the relationship between asthma, atopy, and intestinal helminth infections. There are no such studies from Angola; therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between asthma, allergic diseases, atopy, and intestinal helminth infection in Angolan schoolchildren. We performed a cross-sectional study of schoolchildren between September and November 2017. Five schools (three urban, two rural) were randomly selected. Asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema were defined by appropriate symptoms in the previous 12 months: atopy was defined by positive skin prick tests (SPT) or aeroallergen-specific IgE; intestinal helminths were detected by faecal sample microscopy. In total, 1023 children were evaluated (48.4% female; 57.6% aged 10–14 years; 60.5% urban). Asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, or eczema were present in 9%, 6%, and 16% of the studies children, respectively. Only 8% of children had positive SPT, but 64% had positive sIgE. Additionally, 40% were infected with any intestinal helminth (A. lumbricoides 25.9%, T. trichiura 7.6%, and H. nana 6.3%). There were no consistent associations between intestinal helminth infections and asthma, allergic diseases, or atopy, except for A. lumbricoides, which was inversely associated with rhinoconjuctivitis and directly associated with aeroallergen-specific IgE. We concluded that, overall, intestinal helminth infections were not consistently associated with allergic symptoms or atopy. Future, preferably longitudinal, studies should collect more detailed information on helminth infections as part of clusters of environmental determinants of allergies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emeka F. Okonji ◽  
Brian van Wyk ◽  
Ferdinand C. Mukumbang ◽  
Gail D. Hughes

Abstract Background Achieving undetectable viral load is crucial for the reduction of HIV transmissions, AIDS-related illnesses and death. Adolescents (10 to19 years) living with HIV (ALHIV) on antiretroviral treatment (ART) have worse treatment adherence and lower viral suppression rates compared to adults. We report on the clinical factors associated with viral suppression among ALHIV in the Ehlanzeni district, Mpumalanga in South Africa. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with 9386 ALHIV, aged 10 to 19 years, who were enrolled in 136 ART clinics in the Ehlanzeni district. Clinical and immunological data were obtained from electronic medical records (Tier.net). ALHIV were categorised as having achieved viral suppression if their latest viral load count was < 1000 ribonucleic acid (RNA) copies/mL. Using a backward stepwise approach, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with viral suppression. Results The mean age of the participants was 14.75 years (SD = 2.9), and 55.43% were female. Mean duration on ART was 72.26 (SD = 42.3) months. Of the 9386 adolescents with viral load results recorded, 74% had achieved viral suppression. After adjusting for other covariates, the likelihood of achieving viral suppression remained significantly higher among ALHIV who were: female (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.05–1.39), and had most recent CD4 count > 200 (AOR = 2.53, 95% CI 2.06–3.11). Furthermore, the likelihood of having viral suppression was lower among adolescents with CD4 count > 200 at baseline (AOR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.61–0.87), and who were switched to second line regimen (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.34–0.49). Conclusions Viral suppression amongst ALHIV at 74% is considerably lower than the WHO target of 95%. Of particular concern for intervention is the lower rates of viral suppression amongst male ALHIV. Greater emphasis should be placed to early enrolment of ALHIV on ART and keeping them engaged in care (beyond 6 months). Furthermore, improved and regular viral load monitoring will help to adequately identify and manage ALHIV with unsuppressed viral load and subsequently switching to second line treatment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. T. Mkhize ◽  
M. Mabaso ◽  
T. Mamba ◽  
C. E. Napier ◽  
Z. L. Mkhize-Kwitshana

In South Africa few studies have examined the effects of the overlap of HIV and helminth infections on nutritional status. This cross-sectional study investigated the interaction between HIV and intestinal helminths coinfection with nutritional status among KwaZulu-Natal adults. Participants were recruited from a comprehensive primary health care clinic and stratified based on their HIV, stool parasitology, IgE, and IgG4 results into four groups: the uninfected, HIV infected, helminth infected, and HIV-helminth coinfected groups. The nutritional status was assessed using body mass index, 24-hour food recall, micro-, and macronutrient biochemical markers. Univariate and multivariate multinomial probit regression models were used to assess nutritional factors associated with singly and dually infected groups using the uninfected group as a reference category. Biochemically, the HIV-helminth coinfected group was associated with a significantly higher total protein, higher percentage of transferrin saturation, and significantly lower ferritin. There was no significant association between single or dual infections with HIV and helminths with micro- and macronutrient deficiency; however general obesity and low micronutrient intake patterns, which may indicate a general predisposition to micronutrient and protein-energy deficiency, were observed and may need further investigations.


2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Folake O. Samuel ◽  
Abdulkadir A. Egal ◽  
Wilna H. Oldewage-Theron ◽  
Carin E. Napier ◽  
Christine S. Venter

This cross-sectional study assessed the risk of zinc deficiency in randomly selected children, aged between 7 and 11 years, living in a poor, peri-urban informal settlement in South Africa. Dietary intake of 149 respondents was evaluated by 24-hour recall and quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometric and biochemical indices of a subset of 113 were determined. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and Pearson correlations were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 14.0. Anthropometric data were analysed using the World Health Organization Anthro plus version 1.0.2 statistical software. Dietary data were analysed with FoodFinder® version 3. The mean age of the children was 9.0±1.1 years. Few zinc-rich sources appeared in the diet that was predominantly plant-based. Mean dietary zinc intake was 4.6±2.2 mg/day. The mean value of serum zinc was 66.4±21.5 µg/dL, with 46% of the children having values less than the 70 µg/dL cut-off. The findings indicate a high risk of zinc deficiency and suboptimal zinc status for the majority of this study population of children, possibly as a result of low consumption of food sources with high bioavailability of zinc, which invariably is a direct consequence of poverty and food insecurity.OpsommingDie doel van hierdie dwarsdeursnitstudie was die bepaling van die risiko van ’n sinktekort in ’n ewekansige steekproef van 7 tot 11 jaar-oue kinders, woonagtig in ’n arm, voorstedelike informele woonbuurt in Suid Afrika. Dieetinnames van 149 respondente is geëvalueer deur 24-uur herroep en kwantitatiewe voedselfrekwensie vraelyste. Antropometriese en biochemiese indikatore van ’n kleiner steekproef van 113 is ook bepaal. Beskrywende statistiek, analise van variansie en Pearsonkorrelasies is bepaal deur die Statistical Package for Social Sciences, uitgawe 14.0. Antropometriese data is geanaliseer deur die statistiese program, Anthro plus, uitgawe 1.0.2, van die Wêreld Gesondheid Organisasie. Dieetdata is met behulp van FoodFinder® uitgawe 3 geanaliseer. Die gemiddelde ouderdom van die kinders was 9.0±1.1 jaar. Min sinkryke voedselbronne is in die hoofsaaklik plantryke dieet waargeneem. Die gemiddelde sinkinname was 4.6±2.2 mg/dag en die gemiddelde serumsinkwaarde was 66.4±21.5 µg/dL, met 46% van die kinders se waardes onder die 70 µg/dL afsnypunt. Die bevindings dui op ’n hoë risiko vir sinktekort en suboptimale sinkstatus vir die meerderheid van hierdie kinders, moontlik as gevolg van die swak inname van voedselbronne met hoë biobeskikbare sink, wat gewoonlik ’n direkte gevolg van armoede en huishoudelike voedsel insekuriteit is.


2004 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 264-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Søren Ventegodt ◽  
Trine Flensborg-Madsen ◽  
Niels Jørgen Andersen ◽  
Mohammed Morad ◽  
Joav Merrick

This study was undertaken to examine the association between the immunological impact of HIV (measured by CD4 count) and global self-assessed quality of life (QOL) (measured with QOL1) for people suffering from HIV, to see if the connection was large and statistically strong enough to support our hypothesis of a strong QOL-immunological connection through the nonspecific, nonreceptor-mediated immune system, and thus to give a rationale for a holistic cure for HIV. This cross-sectional population study in Uganda included 20 HIV infected persons with no symptoms of AIDS and a CD4 count above 200 mill./liter. The main outcome measures were CD4 count, global QOL measured with the validated questionnaire QOL1, translated to Luganda and translated back to English. We found a large, clinically significant correlation between the number of T-helper cells (CD4) and global self-assessed quality of life (QOL1) (r = 0.57, p = 0.021), when controlled for age, gender, and years of infection. Together with other studies and holistic medicine theory, the results have given rationale for a holistic cure for HIV. We suggest, based on our findings and theoretical considerations, that HIV patients who improve their global QOL, also will improve their CD4 counts. Using the technique of holistic medicine based on the life mission theory and the holistic process theory of healing, we hypothesize that the improvement of QOL can have sufficient biological effect on the CD4, which could avoid or postpone the development of AIDS. A holistic HIV/AIDS cure improving the QOL draws on hidden resources in the person and is thus affordable for everybody. Improving global QOL also means a higher consciousness and a more ethical attitude, making it more difficult for the HIV-infected person to pass on the infection.


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 01009
Author(s):  
Virna Widora Saputri ◽  
Rico Januar Sitorus ◽  
H. M. Zulkarnain

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that affect the quality of life of CRF patients in Hemodialysis Unit at Pringsewu District General Hospital. This study was conducted from February to May 2018 with cross sectional study design. The sampling technique using total sampling technique. Measurement of quality of life using KDQOL-SFTM version 1.3. The results found that quality of life scores were quite low in some domains and subscales. The mean of total score was 55.70 ± 21.30 with mean of Physical Health Composite (PHC) = 38.85 ± 9.26 and mean of Mental Health Composite (MHC) = 36.13 ± 7.08. Regarding the targeted area of ESRD, the scale of renal disease burden and occupational status scale resulted in the lowest score. The sleep quality scale score was 56.18 ± 20.72. Only 61 patients responded to questions of sexual activity with a score of 55.53 ± 27.44 on the scale of sexual function. In the 36-item health survey, the mean total score was 45.90 ± 21.95. The lowest score represented the limitations of roles caused by physical and emotional health problems. The result of statistical test showed that the variables significantly related to the quality of life of CRF patients were age, income, duration of hemodialysis and family support. Thus, family support was the variable that had the greatest impact on determining the quality of life of CRF patients. The CRF patients who lacked family support were 4.6 times more likely to lead poorer life compared to CRF patients who received good family support after being controlled by age, income, duration of hemodialysis, gender, working status, and diabetes mellitus variables.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 246
Author(s):  
Lilis Masyfufah ◽  
Erwin Astha Triyono

Background: The success of individual antiretroviral drug (ARV) treatment in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was determined by conducting a routine evaluation of the patients’ Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) count. The indicators used to measure the success of the HIV and AIDS treatment were mortality, mobility, and quality of life (QoL). Purpose: The purpose of this research was to analyze the relationship between clinical status (smoking status, duration of ARV therapy, the CD4 count, and body mass index [BMI]) and the QoL of patients with HIV and AIDS who were stable during treatment. Methods: This type of research was quantitative analytical research with a cross-sectional design. This research was conducted at Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, from September to November 2017. The study population was patients with HIV and AIDS in Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya. The research sample was taken by purposive sampling with the inclusion criteria being patients with HIV and AIDS who had been treated for ≥6 months with adherence ≥95% and who came directly to the hospital. Results: The majority of respondents were female (53.36%), junior/senior high school graduates (66.67%), married (62.22%), non-smoking (75.56%), had undergone ARV therapy for ±10 years (77.78%), and had a QoL in the adequate category (62.22%). The basic clinical status with a significant relationship with the respondents’ QoL were the CD4 count (p = 0.00) and BMI (p = 0.00). Conclusion: There was a relationship of the CD4 count and BMI with the QoL of the patients with HIV and AIDS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Reqgi First Trasia

<p><em>Abstract</em> - <strong>Worm infections are still a health problem in the world, involving Indonesia. This disease generally rarely causes death, it has a detrimental impact on society such as malnutrition, anemia, productivity declining, and inhibits physical growth and intelligence in children. Efforts to support the intestinal helminth infection elimination program must be supported by proper diagnosis so that it can be continued with appropriate treatment and as a guideline for determining further policy. Microscopic examination is currently still the most commonly used method but has a limitation, especially less sensitive if in conditions of low infection. Molecular diagnoses suc [1]h as PCR can provide an alternative in providing a more sensitive and specific diagnosis of intestinal helminth infection.</strong></p><p><strong>Keywords -<em> Diagnosis, Intestinal helminth infections, Polymerase Chain Reaction</em></strong></p>


2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandira Mukutmoni ◽  
Hamida Khanum

A cross sectional parasitological study was conducted among the underprivileged children of Begun Bari slum, Tejgaon, Dhaka during January 2015 to December 2016. Fecal samples were collected and then processed through formaldehyde-ether concentration technique. Prevalent helminths were Ascaris lumbricoides (27.68%), Trichuris trichiura (21.57%) and Taenia saginata (18.24%). Male children were at high risk for helminth infection than females. The highest prevalence of A. lumbricoides (42.11%) was observed among the children aged 10 -12 years and T. saginata (35.71%) among 13 - 15 years. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides (23%) was the uppermost in the winter (23%) and the lowest in the rainy season (4.3%). Children of illiterate mothers (91.89%), bare footers (76.03%) and mud floor residents (76.43%) were more prone to helminth infections (p < 0.05).Bangladesh J. Zool. 45(2): 123-129, 2017


2011 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.V. Mbuh ◽  
N.H. Ntonifor ◽  
J. Ojong

AbstractA cross-sectional study of the prevalence, intensity and effects of soil-transmitted helminth and protozoan infections was undertaken among patients at the Buea Hospital Annex located in Buea sub-division of Cameroon. Stool samples from 356 subjects (174 males and 182 females) were collected and processed using standard concentration methods. Our results showed that 31.0% of subjects were infected with intestinal helminths and the prevalence was higher in females (32.4%) than in males (30.5%). A significantly higher prevalence was observed in rural (47.2%) than in urban areas (21.0%); significance < 0.1%. Prevalence was highest among those aged between 6 and 12 years (41.4%). The total prevalence of intestinal helminth infections were 19.3% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 14.0% for hookworm and 11.8% for Trichuris trichiura. The intensity of infection was unevenly distributed, with very heavy loads concentrated in a few individuals. Data also showed that 28.1% (100/356) of the subjects were infected with protozoans. Females showed a higher prevalence (28.6%; 52/182) than males (20.7%; 36/174). Also, there was a significantly higher prevalence in rural (34.0%; 49/144) than urban areas (18.4%; 39/212); significance < 0.1%. The age group 6–12 years again had a higher prevalence (37.1%; 26/70). The total prevalence of intestinal protozoans was: Entamoeba histolytica (24.4%), Entamoeba coli (11.2%) and Giardia lamblia (0.6%). These relatively heavy prevalences in patients may be reduced by appropriate medication and maintaining strict personal hygiene. Health education, clean water supply, good sewage management and a congenial environment will all help to minimize infection.


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