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Comparative Analysis of Automatic Fecal Analyzer versus Direct Wet Smear Microscopy for Detecting Parasitic Infections in Stool Samples
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Prevalence of intestinal parasitic pathogens among HIV-positive individuals in Iran

Mohammad Reza Zali1, Ali Jafari Mehr, Mostafa Rezaian

  • 1Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases
|December 30, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal parasites affect 18.4% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients in Iran, particularly those with diarrhea and lower CD4 counts. Early detection and treatment are crucial for this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Intestinal parasites are significant enteric pathogens in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Iranian HIV-positive patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV-positive individuals in Iran.
  • To investigate the association between intestinal parasite infections, diarrhea, and immune status (CD4 counts).

Main Methods:

  • Stool samples were collected from 206 HIV-positive patients across various Iranian medical centers.
  • Parasites were identified using standard diagnostic methods.
  • Statistical analyses included chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 18.4%.
  • Commonly identified parasites included Giardia lamblia (7.3%), Blastocystis hominis (4.4%), Entamoeba coli (3.9%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (1.5%).
  • Parasitic infections were significantly more prevalent in patients with diarrhea (P < 0.001), who also had lower CD4 counts (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections are common in Iranian HIV-positive patients.
  • Screening for intestinal parasites is essential, especially in immunocompromised patients presenting with diarrhea.
  • Findings underscore the need for integrated care addressing opportunistic infections in HIV management.

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