Evaluation of parasites causing gastro-intestinal tract infestations in HIV/AIDS patients.

Intestinal parasitic infection in patients with HIV/AIDS are leading cause of morbidity and mortality particularly in developing countries with diarrhea as chief complain so present study was undertaken to assess prevalence of intestinal infection caused by enteric parasites in HIV/AIDS patients. A prospective study conducted on 100 HIV positive and HIV negative patients from August 2008July2009. Parasitic infections were diagnosed by examination of stool sample which were examined as fresh wet mount, formal ether concentration technique and modified acid fast stain. The overall prevalence of enteric parasite in study group was 31% in HIV positive patients and 15% in HIV negative patients. The most common parasite was Cryptosporidium parvum followed by Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia Lamblia. The present study highlights the importance of testing for intestinal parasites in patients with HIV positive patients emphasizing the necessity of increasing awareness among clinicians regarding the occurrence of these parasites in this population and to help in instituting appropriate therapy.