Comparison of the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in HIV-Positive and AIDS Patients in Khorramabad City in ۲۰۰۶-۲۰۰۷

Background & Aims: Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in human. Parasites are one of the most important causes of infectious diseases in patients with AIDS. The prevalence of these parasites varies based on the condition of host’s immune system and the stage of disease (HIV/AIDS). To compare the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal parasites a crosssectional study was carried out on ۳۰۶ HIV positive and AIDS patients in Khorramabad city. Methods: After selecting the samples by census and availability sampling methods, planned questionnaires were completed and three stool samples were collected from patients. Then direct smear, formalin-ether concentration techniques and modified acid fast (Kinione) and modified trichorome staining methods were carried out on all samples during ۲۰۰۶-۲۰۰۷. Moreover the relationship between different variables and infection by intestinal parasites were examined. For description and statistical analysis t-test and Chi-square test were used. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in HIV-positive and AIDS patients was ۱۹.۶% and ۵۰% respectively. There was a significant relationship between HIV /AIDS and species of intestinal parasites (P< ۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: Higher prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients with AIDS compared to HIV-positive individuals indicates higher immune system deficiency and more susceptibility to intestinal parasitic infections (specially opportunistic parasites) and reflects the necessity of prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment programs for these patients.