Prevalence, intensity and complications of Microsporidium spores amongst HIV-positive hospital patients in Ilorin, Nigeria
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Date
2013-11-26
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Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Microsporidiasis, which is of great concern for immunocompromised patients,
is poorly studied in developing countries.
Objectives: A study was carried out amongst HIV-positive hospital patients and HIV-
negative hospital controls in Ilorin, Nigeria, between January 2009 and July 2010 to determine
the prevalence and intensity of Microsporidium spores and the complications associated with
their presence.
Method: Stool samples from 750 HIV-positive patients and 375 HIV-negative patients were
studied using the Chromotrope-2R staining technique. Determination of CD4+ count was
performed on the Partec Cyflow SL-3 CD4/8 instrument. Intensity of spores was determined
by counting the total number of the spores in a 10 μl stained smear of stool. Images were
captured with Phenix Microimage Analysis Software and data obtained were analysed using
the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.
Results: The prevalence of Microsporidium isolates amongst the HIV-positive hospital
patients was significantly higher (42.4%) than amongst the HIV-negative controls (19.2%)
(p < 0.05). The intensity of microsporidial spores amongst HIV-positive hospital patients was
also significantly higher than amongst the controls (p < 0.05). However, the difference in the
intensity of spores amongst HIV-positive patients who were on antiretroviral therapy
(n = 411) and those who were not (n = 339) was not significant (p = 0.236). Microsporidiasis in
HIV infection infection was common amongst patients with with low CD4+ counts, diarrhoea,
body rashes and cough.
Conclusion: Both the prevalence and intensity of Microsporidiasis are high amongst HIV-
positive hospital patients; campaigns to promote awareness, prevention and control are
required. Laboratory testing for microsporidia in HIV patients should be performed routinely
so as to identify the organism for prompt medical attention.
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Citation
Prevalence, intensity and complications of Microsporidium spores amongst HIV patients in Ilorin, Nigeria. Afr J Lab Med.