Intestinal helminthiasis among hiv-related pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Abeokuta, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

To determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthes among Tuberculosis patients with or without HIV infection in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Prospective study. Referral center for Tuberculosis patients in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Patients diagnosed for pulmonary tuberculosis [PTB], by chest X-ray, and those without PTB or HIV as control Interventions: Three early morning sputum samples were collected in three consecutive days. Stool and blood samples were also collected from each patient. Main Outcome Measures: The sputum samples were examined microscopically for the presence of tubercle bacilli using Ziehl Neelsen's method. The stool samples were examined for presence of intestinal helminthes using macroscopic and microscopic methods, while Stoll's egg counting technique was used for the helminthes' egg counting. The blood samples were screened for HIV antibody using indirect solid phase enzyme immunoassay. Result: Overall parasitic infection rate was 31.3%. Infection among female 45 [32.6%] was higher than in male 34 [29.8%] but not statistically significant [P = 0.635]. Helminthic infection rate among PTB patients generally was 27 [28.1%], PTB-HIV patients was 4 [36.4%], PTB alone and Control were 23 [27.1%] and 34 [21.8%] respectively [P = 0.518]. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides among tuberculosis patients [18.8%] was statistically higher than other intestinal helminthes [x[2] = 26.89] [P < 0.001]. Intensity of the helminthes varies between light and moderate. Helminthic infection was relatively high in tuberculosis patients. Proper treatment and preventive measures are recommended as this could in a way reduce tuberculosis pandemic