Infectious diarrhoea in antiretroviral therapy-naïve HIV/AIDS patients in Kenya

Abstract

Background: Diarrhoea is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The objectives of this study were to investigate the aetiological agents, risk factors and clinical features associated with diarrhoea in HIV/AIDS patients in Kenya. Methods: Sociodemographic, epidemiological and clinical datawere obtained for 164 HIV/AIDS patients (70 with and 94 without diarrhoea) recruited from Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Stool samples were examined for enteric pathogens by microscopy and bacteriology. Results: Intestinal protozoa and fungi were identified in 70% of patients, more frequently in those with diarrhoea (P<0.001). Helminths were detected in 25.6% of patients overall, and bacterial pathogens were identified in 51% of patients with diarrhoea. Polyparasitism was more common in patients with diarrhoea than those without (P