Comparative study of intestinal parasitic infections in asymptomatic HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative populations in Yola, Nigeria

Using structured questionnaire and laboratory diagnostic techniques, blood samples and stool specimens of 371 patients attending selected hospitals and medical laboratories in Jimeta, a suburb of Yola, Nigeria, were screened for HIV antibodies and intestinal parasites. HIV tests were conducted on blood sera using capillus commercial HIV test kit and immunoconfirm HIV kit, while stool specimens were screened for parasites using saline, iodine and formol-ether concentration technique. Prior to the sample collection ethical approval of the institutions was obtained and consents of the subjects sought. No significant difference (p>.05) was observed on the pattern of parasitic infection of HIV seropositive (10.7%) and HIV seronegative (10.8%) subjects. Intestinal parasitic infection in HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative subjects has no association with age and gender (p>.05). Keywords: HIV seropositive, HIV seronegative, intestinal parasites. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 27 2006: pp. 7-1