BackgroundMalaria and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection constitute public health problems in Cameroon including the South West Region (SWR). This study determined the prevalence of malaria parasites and haematological abnormalities in HIV positive patients in Limbe, Cameroon from April–July 2014.MethodsThe study was cross-sectional and involved 411 participants who were administered structured questionnaires to record socio-demographic and clinical data. Three hundred and nine (309) HIV positive patients and one hundred and two (102) HIV negative individuals were examined clinically and venous blood collected for malaria parasite detection, HIV infection diagnosis and full blood count analysis.ResultsOverall malaria parasite prevalence was 14.1% (58/411). This prevalence was significantly higher (P <  0.001) in the HIV negative participants (33.3%, 34/102) compared to the HIV positive patients (7.8%, 24/309). Amongst HIV positive participants, malaria parasite prevalence was significantly higher in female patients (P = 0.003), febrile patients (P <  0.001), anaemic patients (P = 0.015) and in patients who were not on antiretroviral treatment (ART) (P = 0.03) when compared with their respective counterparts. Among the HIV negative group, though not significant, malaria parasite prevalence was higher in females, febrile and anaemic patients when compared with their respective counterparts. Overall anaemia prevalence was 52.1% (214/309) and was significantly higher (P = 0.004) in HIV positive patients (56%, 173) than in HIV negative participants (40.2%, 41). Malaria/HIV co-infected patients had a significantly lower mean value of Hb (P = 0.002), RBC (P = 0.002) and Hct (P = 0.001) when compared with HIV-infected patients.ConclusionHIV negative participants had a higher prevalence of malaria parasites than their HIV positive counterparts. Anaemia prevalence was higher in HIV positive patients than in HIV negative participants. Malaria/HIV co-infected patients presented with more red blood cell abnormalities than HIV-infected patients.

Background Both malaria and intestinal parasites are endemic in Cameroon, and their co-infection can be of great impact on anaemia among people living with HIV (PLWH). This community-based retrospective cohort study determined the prevalence and association of infections with anaemia in PLWH and HIV-negative individuals in Buea, Cameroon from March to August 2019. Methods The study population comprised of 190 PLWH and 216 consenting HIV-negative individuals from the Buea community. Participants were examined clinically, the collected blood sample was used for malaria parasite (MP) detection, HIV diagnosis and haemoglobin (Hb) measurement while stool samples were examined for the detection of intestinal parasites (IPs). Proportions were compared using Pearson’s Chi-square test and association of anaemia with independent variables was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results Out of the 406 participants, MP, IPs and MP/IP co-infection prevalences were 15.5%, 13.0% and 3.0% respectively. PLWH had a higher prevalence of MP (16.3%, P = 0.17), IPs (23.7%, P ˂ 0.001) and MP/IPs co-infection (3.7%, P = 0.04) when compared with HIV-negative participants. Similarly, PLWH had significantly lower mean haemoglobin value (11.10 ± 1.54 g/dL) than their HIV-negative counterparts (12.45 ± 2.06 g/dL). Also, PLWH co-infected with MP and IPs were observed to have a significantly lower mean haemoglobin value (10.6 ± 1.21 g/dL). PLWH had a significantly (P ˂ 0.001) higher prevalence of mild (56.8%), moderate (18.4%) and severe (1.6%) anaemia when compared with HIV-negative counterparts. The significant risk factors associated with anaemia included being febrile (P = 0.03), MP-infected only (P = 0.001), HIV-infected only (P < 0.001), having dual (P < 0.001) or triple-infections (P = 0.03). Conclusion Malaria and intestinal parasites remain public health concerns among PLWH and anaemia as a serious haematological abnormality gets exacerbated even with the viral load suppression. Hence, routine medical check-ups among PLWH are recommended.

Background: Both malaria and intestinal parasites are endemic in Cameroon, and their co-infection can be of great impact on haematological parameters among people living with HIV (PLWH). This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence and impact of malaria/intestinal parasite co-infections on haematological parameters in PLWH and HIV negative individuals in Buea, Cameroon from March-August 2019.Methods: The study population (500) comprised of 190 PLWH, 216 HIV consenting negative individuals from the Buea community and 94 HIV negative patients at the Buea Hospital out-patient department (OPD). Participants were examined clinically, and the collected blood sample was used for malaria parasite (MP) detection, HIV diagnosis and full blood count analysis. Stool samples were examined for the detection of intestinal parasites (IPs) using the formol-ether concentration and modified Zheil-Neelsen techniques. Proportions were compared using Pearson’s Chi-square test and association of anaemia with the independent variables was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis Results: Overall, MP, IPs and MP/IPs co-infection prevalences were 17.0% (85), 13.0% (65) and 2.2% (11) respectively. When compared with HIV negative participants from the communities, PLWH had the highest prevalence of MP (16.3%, P = 0.17), IPs (23.7%, P ˂ 0.001) and MP/IPs co-infection (3.7%, P = 0.04). Plasmodium falciparum was the only malaria parasite identified. Detected protozoa (10.2%) were Cryptosporidium species and Entamoeba histolytica while detected helminths (3.8%) were Ascaris lumbricoides, Schistosoma mansoni, hookworm, Dipylidium caninum, Hymenolepis nana and Taenia species. Cryptosporidium species (16.8%, 32) was the most prevalent protozoan IP while hookworm (2.6%, 5) was the most prevalent helminth among PLWH. The significant risk factors associated with anaemia included being aged 21-30 years (P=0.029), a male (P<0.001), MP positive (P<0.001), HIV positive (P<0.001) and feverish (P<0.001). Participants co-infected with HIV, MP and IP had a significantly lower mean haemoglobin value (10.56 ±1.21 g/dl). Conclusion: Malaria and intestinal parasites are still public health concern among PLWH and co-infections have negative influence on haematological parameters especially haemoglobin concentration. Routine screening for malaria and IPs in PLWH is recommended, as well as haemoglobin concentration monitoring.