1VRDL, Siddartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
2Associate Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, GSL Medical College, Rajahmundry
3Professor & HOD, Siddartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
*Corresponding Author: Email: chanduthegreat2014@gmail.com
Online published on 3 April, 2018.
Gastrointestinal infections are very common in HIV patients, and diarrhea is a common clinical condition seen in them. With this observation, a study was conducted to find the parasites that cause opportunistic infections (OIs) and its association with immune status in the HIV-infected patients.
This study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India, for 3 months, that is, from January to March 2013. Stool samples were collected and observed under microscope to detect diarrhea-causing parasites. Direct saline mount, iodine mount, and modified acid fast, modified trichrome stain were carried out. CD4 counts were measured by using FACS counting system.
Among the 178 study participants who had diarrhea and who were on antiretroviral treatment, maximum parasites were observed in patients with CD4 counts <200 cells/μL (65%), followed by 200–499 cells/μL (35%).
OIs were identified in 54.5% of the HIV patients and the infections were more in patients with CD4 count <200 cells/μL. This would help the clinician to plan a proper treatment schedule.
CD4, HIV patients, Opportunistic infection, Stool
