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Research Journal of Medical Sciences

ISSN: Online 1993-6095
ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Profile of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV Patients on ART Attending at Tertiary Health Care Center

Shital Rathod, Swapnil Bansod, Bharti Rathod, Anjali Deshmukh, Pratik Hirve and Arvind Chavan
Page: 318-325 | Received 10 Aug 2024, Published online: 23 Oct 2024

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https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.11.318.325

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Abstract

Opportunistic infections (OIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) due to their compromised immune systems. The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical profile of opportunistic infections and malignancies in HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to examine the correlation between CD4 count and disease severity in these patients. A cross‐sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Maharashtra, India. The study included 296 HIV‐positive patients on ART who were more than 12 years old and provided written consent. Exclusion criteria were immuno compromised individuals due to chronic illnesses or immunosuppressive medications. Data collection involved clinical examination, laboratory tests (CD4 counts, hemoglobin, ESR, etc.) and diagnostic evaluations (X‐rays, FNAC, etc.). Males accounted for 76% of the study population. The most affected age group was 30‐39 years (59%). Daily wage workers (51%) and illiterate patients (50%) were most commonly affected. Heterosexuality (97%) was the most common mode of transmission. Most common presentation was weight loss (80%), fever (77%) and loss of appetite (68%) which further leads to cachexic and emaciated built (80%). Tuberculosis (75%) was the most common OI, followed by candidiasis (23%). Pulmonary tuberculosis was the leading respiratory OI (52%) and pneumonia occurred in 81 cases. CD4 counts below 200 cells/μL were observed in 65% of cases. Candidiasis was the cause of dysphagia in all cases. Malignancies were observed in 17% of cases, with cervical cancer being the most common (32%). Mortality was more common in patients with CD4 count less than 200/microL. Opportunistic infections and lower CD4 counts are strongly associated with disease severity and mortality in HIV patients, highlighting the need for regular follow‐up and adherence to ART.

How to cite this article:

Shital Rathod, Swapnil Bansod, Bharti Rathod, Anjali Deshmukh, Pratik Hirve and Arvind Chavan. Profile of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV Patients on ART Attending at Tertiary Health Care Center.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.11.318.325
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.11.318.325