Abstract1. Introduction: Infections with enteric parasites have increased over the years in HIV seropositive patients. The purpose of this study was:
• To determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in HIV seropositive patients.
• To determine the correlation between CD4 T cell counts and the presence of enteric parasites.
2. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on stool samples of 228 HIV sero-positive patients who attended Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) centre of SMIMER hospital, Surat. The stool samples were examined for enteric parasites by microscopy.
3. Results: Out of 228 HIV positive stool samples, 94 (41.22%) were found positive for parasites. Cryptosporidium parvum was the predominant parasite detected in 58 (61.70%) patients followed by Isospora belli in 12 (12.77%) patients, Taenia spp in 9 (9.58%) patients, Strongyloides stercoralis in 8(8.51%) patients, Ascaris lumbricoides in 6 (6.38%) patients and Hymenolepis nana in 1(1.06%) patient.
Out of 115 patients with CD4 count <200 cells/µl, parasites were found in 64 (55.65%) patients, while out of 104 patients with CD4 count 200-500 cells/µl, they were found in 29 (27.88%) patients and out of 9 patients with CD4 count> 500 cells/µl, they were found in 1 (11.11%) patient.
4. Conclusion: The above study confirmed that there was high prevalence of opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections in HIV sero-positive patients and low CD4 count was significantly associated with it. An early and accurate diagnosis of these infections is important which will help clinicians in the proper management of these patients.