article · Advances in Research
A cross-sectional investigation assessed how malaria and intestinal parasites relate to anaemia among people living with HIV receiving treatment in Bamenda, Cameroon. Across 280 participants, the study established infection rates alongside blood haemoglobin measurements and stool sample screenings. The findings revealed a 6.8 percent prevalence for malaria, 14.4 percent for intestinal parasites, and 3.6 percent for simultaneous co-infection. Overall anaemia prevalence stood at 31.4 percent. Individuals carrying malaria, intestinal parasites, or both infections exhibited significantly lower mean haemoglobin levels compared to uninfected peers. Identified risk factors contributing to anaemia included primary educational level, helminth infection, and unsuppressed viral loads. Consequently, the research supports implementing regular screening protocols for both parasitic infections and anaemia within antiretroviral treatment facilities to improve overall patient care.
People living with HIV face heightened health risks from secondary infections that worsen nutritional and blood health. By demonstrating that malaria and intestinal parasites actively lower haemoglobin levels, this work underscores the necessity of broadening routine HIV clinical care. Detecting and treating these co-infections early can mitigate anaemia and directly improve treatment outcomes for vulnerable populations.
The findings provide early-stage clinical evidence that could inform diagnostic service bundles, integrated screening protocols, or point-of-care testing strategies for healthcare providers and public health organisations managing HIV programmes. However, because the study is purely observational, the abstract does not indicate a direct commercial application pathway or a technological product ready for market deployment.
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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.
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DOI: 10.9734/air/2025/v26i41386
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