Nnaji Christiancia
National Biotechnology Development Agency, Nigeria
Title: Helminthic and malaria coinfections in HIV infected pregnant women on antiretroviral therapy in selected district hospitals in F.C.T. Abuja Nigeria
Biography
Biography: Nnaji Christiancia
Abstract
Despite aggressive campaign and prolong research efforts for life sustainability of HIV patients in our environments, malaria and helminthiasis co-infection in HIV/AIDS infected pregnant women remain major factors contributing to morbidity and mortality of HIV positive pregnant woman, increases the risk of developing anemia, delivering a low birth weight infant and premature delivery. This study was therefore designed to investigate the level of co-infection of helminth and malaria parasite in HIV/AIDS infected pregnant women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in selected Hospital in Abuja Metropolis. A total of 250 blood and stool sample were collected aseptically from HIV positive pregnant women on ART. The blood and stool sample were analyzed for the presence and prevalence of malaria parasite and helminths. There were no significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence malaria and helminthiasis in HIV positive and HIV negative subjects. This study revealed that 180 (72%) of the study population (250) had malaria alone, 100 (40%) had helminths and 50 (17.85%) were co-infected with both parasites. The prevalence of malaria, helminths and co-infection in the study population varies insignificantly (p>0.05) among the age group. Age group between 25-29 years and 30-34 years recorded the highest prevalence. Similarly, with increase in CD4 count from 1-200 and 801-1000, the study also recorded an insignificant decrease in malaria, helminths and co-infection prevalence. Findings from this study can serve as a guide for HIV public health managers and as well used in designing a novel program to prolong the life span of an HIV patients.