Cryptosporidiosis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections among HIV Infected Patients in Yaoundé, Cameroon: A Cohort Cross-Sectional Study

Background: HIV/AIDS is a major global health crisis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where it is often complicated by the high prevalence of serious intestinal parasitic infections among HIV patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum and other intestinal parasitic infections among HIV patients receiving care at the cite-verte district hospital Yaoundé. Methods: A cohort cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2023, among a cohort group of 100 HIV patients receiving routine antiretroviral treatment at the Cite-verte district hospital. Stool samples were collected and processed using direct, formol ether concentration, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques for the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium parvum and other intestinal parasites. Data was analyzed by SPSS Version 25 and Microsoft Office 2016. Results: A total of 79 HIV patients with mean age (31.49 ± 9.614 years) were enrolled out of the 100 cohort group. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the study population was 27.8%. The most prevalent parasites were Entamoeba coli (7.6%), Cryptosporidium parvum (6.3%), Entamoeba histolytic (5.1%) and Hymenolepis nana (5.1%). The rates of single and multiple infections were 22.7% and 5.1%, respectively. Viral load and HIV regimen were significantly associated with both Cryptosporidiosis and intestinal parasitic infection. Conclusion: The study shows a low prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis and high intestinal parasitic infections in the study population. Both HIV treatment regimen and HIV viral load were associated factors to Cryptosporidiosis and intestinal parasitic infection in our study population.