Isosporiasis in HIV/AIDS Patients in Edo State, Nigeria

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Isosporiasis in HIV/AIDS Patients in Edo State, Nigeria”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Belli:
Isospora belli is a protozoan parasite that is significant in the context of HIV/AIDS, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Its relevance stems from being a potential cause of severe gastrointestinal disease, leading to increased morbidity and mortality among HIV-positive patients. Recognizing and diagnosing I. belli can impact patient management and outcomes.

2) Study (Studying):
The study conducted between August 2007 and March 2008 assessed the prevalence of Isospora belli in HIV-positive patients in Edo State, Nigeria. Its significance lies in contributing valuable data that can inform healthcare practices, enhance understanding of opportunistic infections in HIV, and advocate for routine screening to improve patient care.

3) Table:
Tables present key data, such as the prevalence of I. belli and associations with CD4+ T cell counts among HIV-positive patients. Their structured format allows for easy comparison and interpretation of results, facilitating understanding of the relationship between isosporiasis and HIV, which is critical for clinicians in treatment planning.

4) Water:
Water plays a vital role in the transmission of Isospora belli, as the parasite is primarily transmitted via the faecal-oral route through contaminated food and water. Understanding the importance of safe drinking water is crucial in preventing infections, especially in regions where sanitation may be a challenge, thereby impacting public health.

5) Blood:
Blood collection is essential for determining CD4+ T cell counts, which are indicative of immune system health in HIV-positive patients. The analysis of blood samples helps identify patients at greater risk for infections, including I. belli, enabling targeted interventions to manage and potentially improve patient outcomes.

6) Teaching:
The term 'teaching' refers to the education and training delivered in medical institutions where this study was conducted. This highlights the critical role of academic medicine in advancing understanding of infectious diseases like isosporiasis within HIV-positive populations, shaping future research and clinical practices in global health contexts.

7) Disease:
Isospora belli infection represents a significant opportunistic disease in HIV-positive individuals, causing chronic diarrhoea and potential complications. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing such diseases to improve quality of life, extend healthy lifespan, and reduce mortality rates among vulnerable populations affected by HIV/AIDS.

8) Visit:
The study involved outpatient subjects on their first visit to a healthcare facility before starting HAART. This initial contact is crucial for establishing a baseline assessment of individual health status, including opportunistic infections like I. belli, which can guide treatment decisions and overall management of HIV-positive patients.

9) Transmission:
Transmission encompasses the mechanisms by which Isospora belli spreads, primarily through contaminated food and water. Understanding transmission routes is vital for implementing public health interventions aimed at reducing infection rates in at-risk populations, especially those with compromised immune systems due to HIV, enhancing community health overall.

10) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding acquired through research findings, such as those about the prevalence and impact of I. belli on HIV-positive patients. Such knowledge is essential for healthcare providers to enhance diagnosis, treatment protocols, and public health policies, aiming to mitigate the effects of opportunistic infections.

11) Container:
A universal container was utilized for collecting faecal samples in the study, illustrating the importance of proper specimen handling in microbiological research. This affects the accuracy of diagnostic testing for Isospora belli, emphasizing the need for standardized procedures that ensure reliable data for further analysis.

12) Thomas:
Thomas refers to Ambrioise-Thomas, who observed an exceptionally high prevalence rate of I. belli in Haiti. His findings underline the geographical disparities in the occurrence of isosporiasis, informing healthcare practitioners about regional health challenges and guiding preventive measures in areas with higher risks associated with the parasite.

13) Egypt:
Egypt is mentioned in the context of comparative studies, where a lower prevalence rate of I. belli (0.9%) was observed. Such comparative data allow for regional analysis of opportunistic infections among HIV-positive populations and help understand environmental and healthcare factors influencing these infection rates.

14) India:
India is referenced as a location where a high prevalence of I. belli was recorded (27%). This highlights the public health challenges in regions with significant HIV-positive populations, reinforcing the need for targeted screening, awareness, and intervention strategies to prevent the spread of opportunistic infections.

15) Death:
Death is a critical outcome associated with severe opportunistic infections like I. belli in HIV-positive patients. The study emphasizes the morbidity and mortality linked to such infections, highlighting the importance of early detection and management to reduce the risk of death and improve patient survival rates.

16) Male (Mālē):
The term 'male' appears in the context of gender distribution among study participants. Lack of significant association between gender and the prevalence of I. belli suggests that both males and females in the HIV-positive population are equally at risk, informing inclusive healthcare strategies for infection management.

17) Food:
Food is a key factor in the transmission of Isospora belli, as the infection primarily spreads through the faecal-oral route due to contaminated food. Understanding food safety practices is crucial in preventing outbreaks, particularly in populations vulnerable to opportunistic infections due to HIV, highlighting the role of public health education.

18) Life:
Life refers to the holistic perspective of health and wellness in HIV-positive individuals, particularly in the face of opportunistic infections like I. belli. Effective management of such infections contributes to prolonging life, improving quality of life, and enhancing the psychological and social well-being of affected persons.

19) Hand:
Hand hygiene practices are essential in preventing the transmission of pathogens like Isospora belli. Emphasizing the importance of handwashing in the study conveys public health messages aimed at reducing infection rates, particularly in vulnerable populations such as HIV-positive individuals, thus promoting community health and safety.

20) Gold (Golden):
Gold refers to the concept of gold standard in diagnostic methods, particularly real-time PCR for detecting Isospora belli. Adopting gold standard techniques enhances diagnostic accuracy, enabling timely and effective treatment, which is critical for managing opportunistic infections in HIV-positive patients and improving their health outcomes.

21) Viru (Vīṟu):
Viru is likely a typographical error or part of a larger term not elaborated in this context. If it refers to viruses, it underscores the importance of understanding various pathogens affecting immunocompromised individuals, including those co-infected with HIV, highlighting the complexity of managing multiple infectious diseases simultaneously.