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Are intestinal helminths risk factors for developing active tuberculosis?
Daniel Elias1, Getahun Mengistu, Hannah Akuffo
1Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Gondar University, Gondar, Ethiopia. eliasroro@yahoo.com
Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH
|March 24, 2006
Summary
Active tuberculosis patients have a significantly higher prevalence of intestinal helminth infections compared to healthy individuals. This helminth infection is strongly associated with active TB, suggesting it may be a risk factor alongside HIV.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminth infections are prevalent in endemic areas.
- Co-infections can complicate disease presentation and management.
- Understanding the interplay between helminths, TB, and HIV is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in active tuberculosis patients and their healthy household contacts.
- To assess the association between intestinal helminth infection and active TB in an endemic region.
Main Methods:
- Smear-positive pulmonary TB patients and healthy household contacts were recruited.
- Intestinal helminths were detected using direct microscopy and formol-ether concentration techniques on stool samples.
- HIV serostatus was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of intestinal helminths was 71% in TB patients versus 36% in controls.
- A strong association was found between active TB and intestinal helminth infection (OR = 4.2).
- The odds of having TB increased with the number of helminth species per person, up to 12.2 times for three or more species.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal helminth infection is a significant risk factor for developing active pulmonary tuberculosis, independent of HIV status.
- Findings highlight the importance of controlling helminth infections in TB endemic areas.
- Integrated control strategies for helminths, TB, and HIV are recommended.