The Correlation of Intestinal Parasites and Malaria Coinfection on Hemoglobin Levels in People Living With HIV in Bamenda, Cameroon
Ngum Helen Ntonifor
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, PO Box 39, Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
Adoland Weretei Tewire
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
Jude, Njilah
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
Lem Edith Abongwa *
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to determine the presence of malaria and intestinal parasites (IP) and their association with anaemia among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Bamenda.
Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study that comprised PLWH on treatment.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at St. Mary’s Hospital and Azire Integrated Health Centre between February and July 2023.
Methodology: The study recruited 280 PLWH. Venous blood was collected to identify the malaria parasite and to measure haemoglobin levels, while stool samples were examined for the presence of IPs.
Results: The prevalence of malaria, IP, and their co-infection were 6.8%, 14.4%, and 3.6%, respectively. Malaria prevalence showed no relationship with sociodemographic characteristics (p≥0.05). Only civil servants showed a significantly (p=0.033) higher IP prevalence (19.0%) with respect to sociodemographic characteristics. A higher prevalence of malaria and IP co-infection was recorded in females, specifically in the 29-38 years age group (7.3%), married individuals (5.3%), those self-employed (4.5%), and those who had attained tertiary education (6.4%). However, only gender showed a significant difference (p = 0.013). The prevalence of anaemia was 31.4% (88/280). Participants infected with Malaria, IPs, and Malaria/IPs coinfection were observed to have significantly (p≤0.05) lower mean Hb levels. The risk factors of anaemia identified were: primary educational level [AOR=2.859, p=0.019], helminths infection [AOR=0. 128, p=0.000] and unsuppressed viral load [AOR = 0.019, p=0.034).
Conclusions: ART clinics should conduct periodic screening for anaemia and routine checkups for malaria and intestinal parasites among PLWH. Integrating malaria and IP control into HIV care can improve patient outcomes.
Keywords: Anaemia, HIV patients, intestinal parasites, malaria, prevalence, risk factors