The Correlation of Intestinal Parasites and Malaria Coinfection on Hemoglobin Levels in People Living With HIV in Bamenda, Cameroon

Aims: This study aimed to determine the presence of malaria and intestinal parasites (IP) and their association with anaemia among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Bamenda.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study that comprised PLWH on treatment.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at St. Mary’s Hospital and Azire Integrated Health Centre between February and July 2023.

Methodology: The study recruited 280 PLWH. Venous blood was collected to identify the malaria parasite and to measure haemoglobin levels, while stool samples were examined for the presence of IPs.

Results: The prevalence of malaria, IP, and their co-infection were 6.8%, 14.4%, and 3.6%, respectively. Malaria prevalence showed no relationship with sociodemographic characteristics (p≥0.05). Only civil servants showed a significantly (p=0.033) higher IP prevalence (19.0%) with respect to sociodemographic characteristics. A higher prevalence of malaria and IP co-infection was recorded in females, specifically in the 29-38 years age group (7.3%), married individuals (5.3%), those self-employed (4.5%), and those who had attained tertiary education (6.4%). However, only gender showed a significant difference (p = 0.013). The prevalence of anaemia was 31.4% (88/280). Participants infected with Malaria, IPs, and Malaria/IPs coinfection were observed to have significantly (p≤0.05) lower mean Hb levels. The risk factors of anaemia identified were: primary educational level [AOR=2.859, p=0.019], helminths infection [AOR=0. 128, p=0.000] and unsuppressed viral load [AOR = 0.019, p=0.034).

Conclusions: ART clinics should conduct periodic screening for anaemia and routine checkups for malaria and intestinal parasites among PLWH. Integrating malaria and IP control into HIV care can improve patient outcomes.