DIARRHOEA, CD4 CELL COUNTS AND ENTERIC INFECTIONS AMONG HIV PATIENTS ATTENDING A HOSPITAL IN JOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Enteric pathogens’ associations between diarrhoea and CD4 cell counts were studied. Stool specimens were obtained from HIV-infected patients with diarrhoea. Out of the 600 stool samples analysed 339(56.50%) were positive for parasites. Protozoa accounted for 227(37.83%) while helminthes were 112(18.67%) of infection identified. The opportunistic parasite Cryptosporidium was the most frequently identified Protozoon parasite 128(24.67%) followed by Giardia lamblia 38(6.33%). As at enrollment, CD4 counts among patients were significantly (p<0.005) lower in those with diarrhoea than in those without diarrhoea. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between diarrhoea and low CD4 counts. Over two-thirds of diarrhoeal episodes were undiagnosed, suggesting that unidentified agents or primary HIV enteropathy are important causes of diarrhoea in this population. There is a strong negative association between duration of diarrhoea and CD4 levels.