Contributions of Escherichia coli to Diarrhoea among HIV/AIDS Patients at a Hospital in Tropical West Africa

Aims: To ascertain the contributions of Escherichia coli to diarrhea among patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in a HIV endemic community.
Study Design: Hospital based cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Mkar Christian hospital, Mkar, Gboko local government area of Benue state, Nigeria between January and June, 2009.
Methodology: Close ended questionnaires were administered and relevant information such as age, sex, marital status, educational background, occupation and regular intake of antiretroviral drugs were obtained from HIV/AIDS patients with diarrhea and non-HIV/AIDS patients which served as control. Stool samples were collected, stored, transported and processed using standard procedures of microscopy, culture and sensitivity.
Results: Bacteria were found to contribute 59.9% (209) of the diarrhoea among HIV/AIDS patients at Mkar of which E. coli accounted for 111 (43.4%) of the cases and was significantly higher among HIV/AIDS patients on irregular or absent anti-retroviral treatment (ART) than those on regular ART, 64.0% (87) versus 36.9% (24) respectively (P< 0.05). Other bacteria recovered were Salmonella typhi (30.6%) and Shigella dysentheriae/flexneri (26.0%).
Conclusion: E. coli should be accommodated in symptomatic management of diarrhoea among HIV/AIDS patients at Mkar while efforts should be made at provision of adequate antiretroviral drugs for the people while their strict intake and adherence enforced.