Risk factors for Blastocystis infection in HIV/AIDS patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy in Southwest China

Abstract

Background Blastocystis is a widespread zoonotic protozoan of mammalian species, especially in HIV/AIDS individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors related with Blastocystis infection among HIV/AIDS patients in Southwest China. Methods The cross-sectional study was performed in 311 HIV/AIDS cases in Tengchong City, Yunnan Province from July 2016 to March 2017. For each subject, stool specimen was collected to detect the Blastocystis, and the blood sample was used to detect HIV virus load and CD4+ T cell count, in addition, structured questionnaire was used to collect the basic information and risk factors. Findings The result showed that the detection rate of Blastocystis was 3.86% (95% CI: 2.22–6.62) among HIV/AIDS patients. Both raising animal (OR = 12.93, 95% CI: 1.54–108.36) and drinking un-boiled water (OR = 8.17, 95% CI: 1.76–37.90) were risk factors for Blastocystis infection in HIV/AIDS individuals. In addition, the interaction of CD4+ T cell count and HIV virus load was also contribution to Blastocystis infection (P = 0.007). Conclusions A high prevalence of Blastocystis infection was found in HIV/AIDS patients in Tengchong. Poor hygienic habits, the interaction of HIV virus load and CD4+ T cell count were identified as main risk factors for infection. These results will help us to develop efficient control strategies to intervene with and prevent the occurrence of Blastocystis among HIV-infected individuals.

Epidemiology of Blastocystis infection from 1990 to 2019 in China

“…Jimenez et al [ 3 ] proposed that the pathogenicity of Blastocystis is still controversial for many reasons, for example, the high proportion of asymptomatic carriers, host susceptibility, differences in intestinal microbiota and different pathogenic potentials of different Blastocystis subtypes. The prevalence of Blastocystis is high in some areas of China, which is mainly attributed to use of earthen toilets or manure pits, contact with animal, drinking unboiled water directly and poor hygiene [ 18 , 19 ]. Blastocystis can colonize the intestines of humans, domestic animals (cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) and wild animals, which has been observed in many provinces in China.…”

<p>Molecular Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Blastocystis sp. Infections Among General Populations in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China</p>

“…were 3.86% and 6.78%, respectively. 24,34 In Huainan city, Anhui province, central China, iodine staining and hematoxylin staining detected 1%, 1%, 0 and 5.96% prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infections among infants, pupils, middle school students and the patients with diarrhea, respectively.…”

“…was 9.47% in the study subjects, which is similar to the prevalence in Wa ethnic populations living in the province (9.3%), 22 but lower than in Eryuan county (18.4%), 27 Menghai county (32.6%) 27 and Xishuangbanna prefecture (32.6%), 26 and higher than in HIV/AIDS patients and children with acute diarrhea from the province. 34,37 The variation in the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infections may be attributed to the geographical locations, study subjects and diagnostic techniques.…”

Epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. infection from 1990 to 2019 in China

“…Jimenez et al [3] proposed that the pathogenicity of Blastocystis is still controversial for many reasons, for example, the high proportion of asymptomatic carriers, host susceptibility, differences in intestinal microbiota and different pathogenic potentials of different Blastocystis subtypes. The prevalence of Blastocystis is high in some areas of China, which is mainly attributed to use of earthen toilets or manure pits, contact with animal, drinking unboiled water directly and poor hygiene [18,19]. Blastocystis can colonize the intestines of humans, domestic animals (cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) and wild animals, which has been observed in many provinces in China.…”