Correlation between CD4 counts and parasitic intestinal infection among diarrheal and non-diarrheal Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive Indian patients

Aim: With fall in CD4 cell counts In Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients, chances of opportunistic infections increases. The present study was conducted to observe the trends in intestinal parasitic infections in diarrheal and non diarrheal HIV positive patients and their correlation with CD4 cell counts. Material and methods: 146 HIV positive diarrheal and 154 HIV positive non-diarrheal patients were enrolled for collection of stool samples for detection of parasites. CD4 counts of the patients were recorded at the time of sample collection. Results: Cryptosporidium parvum was detected as the most common parasite in diarrheal (40.41%) and nondiarrheal patients (21.42%). The detection was statistical significant in diarrheal patients (p <0.001) and patients with CD4 counts < 200μl (p < 0.05). Other parasites detected in diarrheal group were Isospora (11.64%), Giardia (10.27%), Cyclospora (2.73%), E. histolytica (4.79%), Strongyloides (1.36%) and Ascaris (1.36%). Conclusion: Gastrointestinal problems due to opportunistic intestinal parasites are one of the hallmarks of HIV infection. These at times can be life threatening. Thus, timely detection helps in proper patient care and treatment of these problems.