Search

To evaluate the frequency of intestinal parasites and risk factors associated with coccidian infection in patients cared for at a public hospital in Lima-Peru.A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using reports of the parasitology laboratory. Patients included were18 years, who gave at least one faecal sample for parasitologic evaluation. Logistic regression was used to calculate Odd Ratios (OR) and 95%) confidence intervals.2.056 patients were included in the analysis, 55.2% of them were males and 334 (16.3%) were HIV positive. Overall, Blastocystis hominis was the most frequent parasite (35.4%). The multivariate model adjusted for sex shows that HIV infection (OR = 4.53; 95% CI: 3.03-6.77), being hospitalized (OR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.06-5.52), and ageor = 40 years (OR = 0.57; 95% IC: 0.37-0.86) were associated with coccidian infection.Blastocystis hominis was the most frequent parasite in HIV positive and negative patients. Being hospitalized and HIV infection were risk factors for coccidian infection, but ageor = 40 years was a protective factor.

Although in Peru, Control Program of Tuberculosis has been successful in the reduction of incidence, morbidity and mortality, fatal cases are still observed. A longitudinal retrospective study was undertaken in a population on the outskirts of Lima between January 2000 and December 2005. Kaplan-Meier and Cox Regression analysis were used in this study. A total of 425 patients commencing tuberculosis treatment were included, with a case fatality ratio of 4.5%. Factors associated with mortality were: body mass index18 kg/ m(2) at treatment beginning, HR = 4.89 (95%CI: 1.49 - 16.03) and HIV infection, HR=5.78 (95% CI: 1.11-29.99); whilst education level, HR = 0.28 (95% CI: 0.10 - 0.83) was associated with survival. Amongst this population commencing treatment for tuberculosis, body mass index and HIV infection were associated with an increased risk of death; in contrast, the education level was associated with improving in the survival.