Prevalence of Protozoan in HIV/AIDS Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Zinder National Hospital, Niger Republic

Background Intestinal parasitic infections constitute one of the stubborn public health issues, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and diversity of intestinal parasites among patients in a medical center in Zinder, Niger Republic. Methods A prospective study of 93 patients and a retrospective study of 131 patients were conducted. Stool samples were examined for the presence of parasites using standard microscopic techniques. Results In this prospective study, 83.7% of stool samples were tested positive for parasites, with the cystic form of Entamoeba histolytica (25.8%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (30.1%) being the most prevalent. Four patients had vegetative forms of protozoa, including two with Giardia intestinalis (2.1%) and two with E. histolytica (2.1%), and one patient was positive for Strongyloides stercoralis . In the retrospective study, 46.9% of stool samples were positive for parasites, with the E. histolytica and Pentatrichomonas hominis being the most prevalent 26.1% and 7.1%, respectively. Trophozoite of E. histolytica and G. intestinalis were present respectively in 3.2% and 2.8% of positive samples as well. Oocysts of two protozoans were identified. Cryptosporidium spp., is characterized by 28 oocysts, constituted 30.1% of the observed entities. Simultaneously, Cystoisospora belli , represented by 12 oocysts, accounted for 12.9% of the total. Conclusion Our findings reveal a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites in HIV/AIDS patients in Niger. This points at the need for effective interventions to prevent and treat these infections. In addition, the results of this study provide important preliminary data that could inform public health policy and decision makers in the region.