Intestinal parasites in patients with diarrhea and human immunodeficiency virus infection in Zimbabwe

Tawanda Gumbo, Steedman Sarbah, Innocent T. Gangaidzo, Ynes Ortega, Charles R. Sterling, Angela Carville, Saul Tzipori, Peter M. Wiest

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    102 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Objectives: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and risk factors for infection associated with diarrhea in HIV-infected patients in Harare, Zimbabwe. Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: Single stool samples were collected from 88 HIV-infected individuals presenting with diarrhea of greater than 1 week duration. Stools were examined for intestinal parasites using modified acid last stain, fluorescence-labeled monoclonal antibody for Cryptosporidium parvum, as well as a modified trichrome stain and a PCR-based protocol for Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Results: C. parvum was detected in 9% (seven out of 82) of samples evaluated, but no Cyclospora was detected. E. bieneusi was detected in 18% (10 out of 55) of stool by trichrome staining and in 51% (28 out of 55) of stool examined by PCR. Risk factors for E. bieneusi infection were: living in rural areas, consumption of nonpiped water, contact with cow dung and household contact with an individual with diarrhea. Conclusion: E. bieneusi infection was common in HIV-infected patients with diarrhea in Zimbabwe and may be acquired through person-to-person and fecal-oral transmission.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)819-821
    Number of pages3
    JournalAIDS
    Volume13
    Issue number7
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 1999

    Keywords

    • Cryptosporidium parvum
    • Cyclospora
    • Diarrhea
    • Enterocytozoon bieneusi
    • HIV
    • Zimbabwe

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Immunology and Allergy
    • Immunology
    • Infectious Diseases

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