Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2026
An In Vitro Model for Measuring Immune Responses to Malaria in the Context of HIV Co-infection
Published on: October 6, 2015
[Comparison of intestinal parasite infestation indexes among HIV positive and negative populations]
O C Méndez1, G Szmulewicz, C Menghi
1Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
This study was carried out on two groups of patients treated at the José de San Martín Clinical Hospital. One group was composed of 82 HIV-seropositive patients with no signs of diarrhea, and another one of 300 patients, not suspected of HIV infection, was considered as "control population". Stool samples were collected from each patient and examined for intestinal parasites. These determinations were carried out at the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, in the same Hospital. Three specimens were obtained from each patient and processed in an identical form. Concentration methods, a direct smear technique after centrifugation and the trichrome staining procedure were performed on each sample. The HIV-positive group was found to harbor a higher proportion of intestinal parasites. Outstanding differences between both groups in percentages of parasitoses were observed. Species found in a significantly higher percentage among HIV seropositive patients were: Entamoeba histolytica (26.5%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (16.9%), Dientamoeba fragilis (25.3%), Blastocystis hominis (51.8%), Cryptosporidium sp. (7.2%), and probably Isospora belli (1.2%). No significant differences in percentages of Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli, Chilomastix mesnili and helminths were observed between both groups. Within the HIV-positive group, a higher proportion of infestation due to E. histolytica and I. bütschlii was observed in homosexuals-bisexuals than in intravenous drug addicts or heterosexuals.
Insights
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients show a higher prevalence of intestinal parasites compared to the general population. Specific parasites like Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium were significantly more common in HIV-positive individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can alter immune status, potentially increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
- Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant global health concern, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in HIV-seropositive patients compared to a control population.
- To identify specific parasites that are more common in individuals with HIV.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples were collected from 82 HIV-positive patients and 300 HIV-negative controls.
- Parasite detection involved concentration methods, direct smear, and trichrome staining.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare infection rates between groups.
Main Results:
- HIV-positive patients exhibited a significantly higher overall prevalence of intestinal parasites.
- Entamoeba histolytica, Iodamoeba bütschlii, Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, Cryptosporidium sp., and Isospora belli were found more frequently in HIV-positive individuals.
- No significant differences were observed for Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli, Chilomastix mesnili, or helminths between the groups.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of certain intestinal parasitic infections.
- Specific protozoan species are more prevalent in HIV-seropositive individuals, highlighting the importance of diagnostic screening.
- Within the HIV-positive cohort, risk factors such as sexual orientation may influence parasite prevalence.
