Helminth-HIV Co-infection in the Osh Region, Kyrgyzstan: A prospective cohort Study on Public Health Challenges and Intervention Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52783/jns.v14.2022Keywords:
HIV-helminth co-infection, Immunosuppression, Parasitic infections in PLHIV, Public health intervention, KyrgyzstanAbstract
Background: HIV related immune suppression is a growing public health issue especially if it has implications on immune function. HIV induced immunosuppression makes people more vulnerable to other opportunistic infections such as helminthiasis. In the areas with high prevalence of parasitic diseases for example the south of Kyrgyzstan co-infection with helminths can worsen immune dysfunction and may rapiden the progression of HIV disease. There is increasing evidence of a link between HIV-helminth co-infection and lower CD4+ cell counts, therefore it is crucial to explore the clinical implications of this relationship in detail.
Objective: To examine the clinical symptoms of helminthiasis in persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and its effect on CD4+ cell counts to guide the formulation of evidence-based treatment and intervention strategies.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted between 2018 and 2024, 157 PLHIV with gastrointestinal symptoms including chronic or intermittent abdominal discomfort, diarrhea of unclear etiology, unexplained weight loss, and dyspeptic manifestations were enrolled. Parasitological diagnosis was done by fecal analysis, Kato-Katz technique was used to quantitate helminth eggs and light microscopy for oocysts, cysts, eggs and larvae of intestinal parasites. Statistical analyses were done using R-Studio, with descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing (χ² test, Fisher’s exact test, and t-test), and regression modeling to analyze the relationship between helminthiasis and CD4+ cell depletion.
Results: The aim of this study was to offer a comprehensive investigation of the prevalence and severity of helminthiasis among PLHIV, the relationship between immune suppression and helminthiasis, and the potential role of helminthiasis in disease progression. These findings will help in identifying the need for routine anthelmintic treatment, as advised by the WHO in the endemic areas.
Conclusion: It is crucial to have a better understanding of the interaction between HIV and helminth co-infections in order to improve diagnostic protocols and therapeutic interventions. The findings from this study will provide a quantitative and qualitative basis for the development of specific deworming guidelines and public health measures that can lead to better clinical outcomes for people living with HIV in Kyrgyz Republic
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