Emergent and re-emergent parasites in HIV-infected children: immunological and socio-environmental conditions that are involved in the transmission of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: Brisa Maria Fregonesi, Meire Nikaido Suzuki, Carolina Sampaio Machado, Karina Aparecida de Abreu Tonani, Ana Paula Morais Fernandes, Aline Aparecida Monroe, Maria Célia Cervi, Susana Segura-Muñoz
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT) 2015
• Subjects: Emerging/re-emerging parasites; Childhood; HIV/AIDS; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0119-2015; https://doaj.org/article/a8d2aa319cf54111a7aa85fec3c869f9

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Emergent and re-emergent waterborne protozoans have become a worldwide public health problem, especially among vulnerable groups. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated 17 HIV-infected children and their families. RESULTS: A high (76.5%) percentage of parasite-infected children was observed, even among children with CD4+ T-cell counts of >200 cells/mm3. Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora spp. were observed in 41.2% of these children Low income, poor hygiene practices, and co-infection in domestic, peridomestic and scholastic environments were significant sources of these intestinal infections. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis, timely treatment, and socio-educational interventions may improve the health conditions of this vulnerable population.