Human intestinal helminths among HIV sero-positive and sero-negative adults in rural settings in Plateau state, Nigeria

Abstract

# Background There appears to be a bilateral relationship between HIV infection and intestinal helminthic infection. However, there is a paucity of data comparing the determinants of intestinal helminthic infection in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sero-positive and sero-negative adults. # Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted where eight hundred HIV sero-positive adults were recruited with an equal number of matched controls from two sites into the study from January to December 2015. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and stool samples were screened for intestinal helminths using the Kato-Katz method. # Results The prevalence of intestinal helminths was 16.3% and 16.4% among the HIV sero-positive and sero-negative population respectively. Bivariate analysis showed that there was a significant association between treatment of drinking water and presence of intestinal helminthiasis in the HIV sero-positive population (OR=0.67, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.45-1.00 *P*=0.05) whereas the location of residence (OR=1.77, CI=1.21-2.58 *P*=0.00) and whether fruits and vegetables are washed or not before eating (OR=2.84, CI=1.18-6.83 *P*=0.04) were associated with having intestinal helminths in the HIV sero-negative population. A binary logistic regression showed that in the HIV infected arm, drinking untreated water (OR=1.60, CI=1.06 – 2.42) was a determinant of intestinal helminths infection. Having more than a primary school education (OR=0.61, CI=0.38-0.97) and residing in the rural area (OR=1.78,CI=1.21-2.60) were determinants in the HIV sero-negative arm. # Conclusions There was no significant difference in the prevalence of intestinal helminths between the HIV sero-positive and sero-negative populations. However, the determinants associated with human intestinal helminthic infection differed significantly between the two populations. Strategies to eliminate intestinal helminths in these populations have to be contextualised appropriately taking into account wider social determinants.