Salmonella serovars associated with bacteraemia infection in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus with low [CD4.sup.+] cell counts in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Background: Certain serovars of Salmonella show a much higher predilection for causing bacteraemia as opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons. Objectives: The study was undertaken to characterize serovars of Salmonella isolated from bacteraemia infections in HIV/AIDS patients in Akwa Ibom State and to determine the relationship of the infection with the low [CD4.sup.+] cell counts of the subjects. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study was conducted among 300 HIV/AIDS patients and 105 non-HIV subjects. Blood culture samples were collected and cultured on Salmonella-Shigella agar (SSA) and Deoxycholate citrate agar (DCA) for recovery of Salmonellae. Isolates were identified using conventional tests and Microgen[TM] GN ID System (Microgen Bioproducts). Serotyping was done using Salmonella antisera (Statens Serum Institut, Denmark). Estimation of [CD4.sup.+] cell counts was by Partec flow cytometry. Results: Salmonella species and Salmonella enterica arizonae were identified. Seven serovars were obtained; S. typhi, S. paratyphi A, S. paratyphi B, S. paratyphi C, S. typhimurium, S. cholerasius and S. enteritidis. The prevalence of Salmonella associated bactereamia was significantly higher (p