HIV and Intestinal Infections in Zambian Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Kelly Paul, Todd Jim, Sianongo Sandie, Mwansa James, Sinsungwe Henry, Katubulushi Max, Farthing Michael J, Feldman Roger A
Primary Institution: University of Zambia School of Medicine
Hypothesis
How does HIV status and CD4 count affect susceptibility to intestinal infections and diarrhoea in Zambian adults?
Conclusion
HIV increases the risk of intestinal infections and diarrhoea at all stages of infection, regardless of CD4 count.
Supporting Evidence
- HIV seroprevalence was 31% among participants.
- Diarrhoea incidence was 1.1 episodes per year.
- The disease-to-infection ratio was increased at all stages of HIV infection.
- Aggregation of diarrhoea was observed in susceptible individuals regardless of immunosuppression.
Takeaway
People with HIV are more likely to get sick from intestinal infections, even if their immune system isn't very weak.
Methodology
A longitudinal cohort study was conducted with adults in Lusaka, Zambia, assessing diarrhoea incidence and stool samples for pathogens.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on participant recall for diarrhoea episodes.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported symptoms, which may lead to underreporting of diarrhoea episodes.
Participant Demographics
206 adults (70 males, 136 females) aged 18-79, with a median age of 38 for males and 31 for females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.7–3.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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