Higher seroprevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection is associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in Taiwan

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2006 Jun;74(6):1016-9.

Abstract

We assessed the seroprevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection using indirect hemagglutination antibody (IHA) assay among 667 HIV-infected persons (group A), 1,311 asymptomatic HIV-uninfected persons seeking anonymous HIV testing (group B), 616 HIV-uninfected controls with gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea and/or liver abscess) seeking medical care (group C), and 2,500 healthy controls undergoing health check-up (group D). An IHA titer >or= 128 was detected in 7.1% of group A, 2.5% of group B, 1.8% of group C, and 0.1% of group D (P < 0.0001). The highest seroprevalence (11.2%) was noted among HIV-infected persons who were men having sex with men (MSM) 30-39 years of age. Compared with persons with gastrointestinal symptoms, the adjusted odds ratio for having high IHA titers among HIV-infected persons was 3.206 (95% confidence interval, 1.433, 7.176; P = 0.005). These findings show that HIV-infected persons, especially MSM 30-39 years of age, are at significantly higher risk of E. histolytica infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Entamoeba histolytica / immunology*
  • Entamoebiasis / complications*
  • Entamoebiasis / diagnosis
  • Entamoebiasis / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV-1*
  • Hemagglutination Tests / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Factors
  • Taiwan / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan