Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and some AIDS associated opportunistic infections in parts of Northern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

A total of 620 consenting patients were tested for HIV by rapid Elisa method in three government hospital in Wukari Local government area Taraba State, Nigeria between April 2001 and March 2002. Seropositive subjects were followed up on their subsequent visits to the hospital and using their hospital records to obtain information on their HIV status, other associated and opportunistic infections. A total of 124 [20%] subjects subdivided into males 58 [9.4%] and females 66 [10.6%] of those tested were positive for HIV. While 10 [1.6%] males and 14 [2.3%] females had developed AIDS. Six different infections were identified among the infected subjects including 39 cases of diarrhoea. 31 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis [PTB] 21, cases of oral candidiasis and 19 cases of skin/ soft tissue infections. There were 3 cases of urethral track infection and 24 cases of bronchopneumonia. The productive age group 15-50 years remains mainly the most affected group with the HIV scourge. The negative impact of polygamy, extramarital affairs and lack of women sex right. Empowerment and low level human development on the spread of HIV/AIDS is discussed