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Investigation of the Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Infections and Associated Factors Among HIV+/AIDS Patients in Kurdistan Province, Iran
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Fares Bahrami1    , Erfan Sherifi2 , Yahya Maroufi3 , Khaled Rahmani4 , Mohammad Bagher Khadem Erfan5 , Ghasem Zamini6 |
1- Assistant Professor, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
2- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
3- Assistant Professor, Zoonoses Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
4- Associate Professor, Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
5- Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran , khademerfan@gmail.com
6- Associate Professor, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran |
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Abstract: (557 Views) |
Background and Aim: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the major health problems worldwide. The symptoms and signs of these infections can range from mild to severe depending on the type of parasite and host conditions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among HIV+/AIDS individuals and evaluate the impact of certain demographic factors on these infections in Kurdistan Province.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 161 stool samples were collected using a convenience sampling method from HIV+/AIDS individuals in Kurdistan Province. After obtaining informed consent, demographic information such as age, gender, residence, drinking water source, and history of animal contact was collected through questionnaires for each patient. All samples were examined using direct smear, formalin-ether concentration, and Ziehl–Neelsen staining methods. The obtained data were analyzed using independent t-tests and Fisher's exact test.
Results: Of all samples analyzed, 53 cases (32.9%) were infected with one or more intestinal protozoa. Among the identified protozoa, Blastocystis (19.3%) had the highest prevalence, while Iodamoeba butschlii (1.9%) had the lowest. The overall frequency of protozoan infections did not significantly affect the demographic variables studied (P > 0.05). However, untreated drinking water was significantly associated with Cryptosporidium infection (P = 0.02).
Conclusion: Intestinal protozoan infections are prevalent among HIV+/AIDS individuals in Kurdistan Province. Therefore, the results of this study provide crucial information for healthcare providers to facilitate accurate diagnosis and design intervention programs to improve patient care and reduce the prevalence of these infections in the region.
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| Keywords: Prevalence, Intestinal Protozoan Infections, HIV+/AIDS, Kurdistan, Iran |
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Full-Text [PDF 659 kb]
(208 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Parasitology and Mycology
Received: 2024/10/13 | Accepted: 2024/12/29 | Published: 2025/03/12
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Research code: IR.MUK.REC.1397/379 Ethics code: IR.MUK.REC.1397/379
Bahrami F, Sherifi E, Maroufi Y, Rahmani K, Khadem Erfan M B, Zamini G. Investigation of the Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Infections and Associated Factors Among HIV+/AIDS Patients in Kurdistan Province, Iran. SJKU 2025; 30 (1) :1-11 URL: http://sjku.muk.ac.ir/article-1-8604-en.html
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