Distribution pattern and prevalence of opportunistic infections and their possible reciprocal effects among HIV patients, Burayu health centers, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Opportunistic infections are a major public health problems in immuno-compromised individuals, particularly in HIV patients, and form a lethal combination, each speeding the progress of the other. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern and prevalence of opportunistic infections and their reciprocal effects among HIV patients attending the Burayu Health Centers.

Methodology: A health institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,448 HIV patients. All patients diagnosed with HIV and HIV-opportunistic co-infections with complete data were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the association of HIV-opportunistic co-infections and various socio-demographic and clinical variables.

Results: A total of 1,448 HIV- positive patients were reviewed and 572 (39.5%) were found to have opportunistic infections. The trend of HIV co-infection showed gradually decreased. Majority of HIV patients were found at a CD4⁺ count < 200cells/mm³.The rate of opportunistic infections increased with decreasing CD4 T-cell count. HIV-infected patients with a CD4⁺ cell count of < 200 cells/mm³ were found to be 44 times more likely to develop opportunistic infections. HIV-opportunistic co-infection was significantly associated with sex, marital status, ART drug adherence, residence, and educational status of the patients. The odds of co-infections in patients who were urban dwellers were 2 times higher than in those who lived in rural areas. Similarly, patients who were single were 3 times more likely to be infected with coinfections. Maleness was found to be protective from coinfection and it showed a reduction of 64%.

Conclusions: Opportunistic co-infections are more prevalent in HIV-infected patients with a CD4⁺ cell count of < 200 cells/mm³, poor drug adherence, and also associated with the occupation. So, regular examination and appropriate medication can reduce the prevalence of opportunistic co-infections.