ABSTRACT
Cystoisospora belli infection often occurs in immunocompriomised individuals, notably in patients suffering from HIV/AIDS. Concentration techniques was used for diagnosis of Cystoisospora belli. A total of 375 samples from HIV-positive patients and 50 samples from HIV-negative patients were processed using the modified kiyoun staining methods. In addition patients blood samples were analysed and examined for malaria and CD4 cells by Giemsa staining technique and Flow cytometry. The overall prevalence of the coccidian was 14.93% and there was a significant association between the HIV infected patients and Non HIV subjects (P<0.05). There was no significant diference among the sex and age group (P>0.05). There was a significant relationship between Cystoisosporiasis and CD4 cell counts in HIV-positive patients (P<0.05). Risk factors such as level of education, swimming and occupation among HIV patients did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the prevalence of C. belli infection while source of water and contact with animals significantly affected the prevalence of C. belli infection. Other risks factors such as washing of hands and washing of vegetables showed significant differences. This study has demonstrated that C. belli infection is prevalent in General Hospital Minna, Niger State, Nigeria and, as a result, may increase the burden on HIV-infected patients.
