Editorial - (2015) Volume 1, Issue 1
Enterobiasis is a common nematode infestation that can be seen around the world. It is an important tropical infection that can affect the patients at any sexes and age groups. The occurrence of enterobiasis in HIV infected patients is of interest. In this short article, the authors summarize on Enterobiasis in HIV infected patients.
HIV, enterobiasis.
Pinworm is an important parasite that can cause enterobiasis. Enterobiasis is a common nematode infestation that can be seen around the world [1-3]. High prevalence of enterobiasis is reported from several poor and under developed community [4]. It is an important tropical infection that can affect the patients at any sexes and age groups. The occurrence of enterobiasis in HIV infected patients is of interest. In this short article, the authors summarize on nnterobiasis in HIV infected patients.
The helminthiasis among HIV infected patients is usually a forgotten problem. There are few reports on this specific issue. The reported prevalence is various depending on the study settings. According to the report by Wiwanitkit from Thailand, then null prevalence is observed [4]. The reported prevalence rates from Kenya, Ehiopia, Vietnam, Congo and South Africa are equal to 1.9% [5], 1.3 % [6], 0.9 5 [7], 0.6 % [8] and 0.6 % [9]. There is no relationship between detection of enterobiasis and CD4+ status [4] or presentation of diarrhea [4,10]. Based on the reported rate, it should be noted that enterobiasis is not uncommon among the HIV infected patients and must be the problem to be looked for in any HIV infected cases regardless of immune status or symptom.
As noted, there might sometimes be no symptom of enterobiasis in HIV infected patients. However, the existences of severe clinical problems are also reported. Acute appendicitis [11] and ileocolitis [12], can be seen. No doubt that if there is existence of enterobiasis, regardless of symptom, the antiparasitic drug should be provided to the HIV infected patients for prevention of unwanted complication. Focusing on the use of antiparasitic drug, Davis et al. [13] noted that “there was parasitological cure (decreased infection rate for blastocystosis) and clinical improvement as positive changes in symptoms, such as nausea, weakness, headache, weight loss, and others, in all the patients with concomitant ascariasis, enterobiosis, and lambliasis. ARVT and antituberculosis drugs were observed to bebetter tolerated in all cases.”
Enterobiasis can be seen in the patients with HIV infection. This parasitic infestation might be silent or produce severe clinical problems. The concern on this parasitic infestation among HIV infected patient is needed.
