Contributions of Escherichia coli to Diarrhoea among HIV/AIDS Patients at a Hospital in Tropical West Africa
Esther D. Tyodugh
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, PMB 102119 Makurdi, Nigeria
Ubleni U. Emanghe
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, PMB 1115 Calabar, Nigeria
Godwin T. Jombo *
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, PMB 102119 Makurdi, Nigeria
Ella B. Abraham
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo Benue State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To ascertain the contributions of Escherichia coli to diarrhea among patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in a HIV endemic community.
Study Design: Hospital based cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Mkar Christian hospital, Mkar, Gboko local government area of Benue state, Nigeria between January and June, 2009.
Methodology: Close ended questionnaires were administered and relevant information such as age, sex, marital status, educational background, occupation and regular intake of antiretroviral drugs were obtained from HIV/AIDS patients with diarrhea and non-HIV/AIDS patients which served as control. Stool samples were collected, stored, transported and processed using standard procedures of microscopy, culture and sensitivity.
Results: Bacteria were found to contribute 59.9% (209) of the diarrhoea among HIV/AIDS patients at Mkar of which E. coli accounted for 111 (43.4%) of the cases and was significantly higher among HIV/AIDS patients on irregular or absent anti-retroviral treatment (ART) than those on regular ART, 64.0% (87) versus 36.9% (24) respectively (P< 0.05). Other bacteria recovered were Salmonella typhi (30.6%) and Shigella dysentheriae/flexneri (26.0%).
Conclusion: E. coli should be accommodated in symptomatic management of diarrhoea among HIV/AIDS patients at Mkar while efforts should be made at provision of adequate antiretroviral drugs for the people while their strict intake and adherence enforced.
Keywords: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, diarrhoea, Escherichia coli, human immunodeficiency virus