Correlation between stool microscopy and level of immunosuppression in HIV/AIDS patients with diarrhea in East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh

• Author Details:   
• A.Rajendra Babu
• T. Jaya Chandra
• R. Lakshmi Kumari

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Introduction: Gastrointestinal infections are very common in HIV patients, and diarrhea is a common clinical condition seen in them. With this observation, a study was conducted to find the parasites that cause opportunistic infections (OIs) and its association with immune status in the HIV-infected patients.
Materials and Method: This study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India, for 3 months, that is, from January to March 2013. Stool samples were collected and observed under microscope to detect diarrhea-causing parasites. Direct saline mount, iodine mount, and modified acid fast, modified trichrome stain were carried out. CD4 counts were measured by using FACS counting system.
Results: Among the 178 study participants who had diarrhea and who were on antiretroviral treatment, maximum parasites were observed in patients with CD4 counts <200 cells/µL (65%), followed by 200–499 cells/µL (35%).
Conclusion: OIs were identified in 54.5% of the HIV patients and the infections were more in patients with CD4 count <200 cells/µL. This would help the clinician to plan a proper treatment schedule.

Keywords: CD4; HIV patients; Opportunistic infection; Stool