Prevalence and Factors Associated with Intestinal Candidiasis among HIV Infected Clients Attending Anti-retroviral Therapy Clinic at Kisoro District Hospital, Western Uganda

Aim: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal candidiasis among people living with human immune deficiency virus (PLWHIV) attending Kisoro district Hospital in Western Uganda.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This was conducted in the anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinic at Kisoro District Hospital (KDH) from May 2016 to June, 2017.

Methodology: The study analyzed fresh stool and ethylene di-amine tetra acetic acid venous blood specimens from 148 HIV seropositive adult participants. Stool samples were microscopically examined as wet preparation and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar for isolation and identification of fungal pathogens. Blood was used to assay their CD4+ cell counts. Data were analyzed, and presented as proportions.

Results: The prevalence of intestinal candidiasis was 62.84%. It was highest among participants with CD4+ cells below 250/µL, and more among male participants 75% (36/48).