Opportunistic Infections in Patients Living with HIV at Brazzaville University Hospital: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of opportunistic infections in the Infectious Diseases Department and to look for associated factors. Patients and Methods: A descriptive and analytical retrospective study of patients living with HIV, diagnosed in pre- or per-hospitalization, receiving or not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy, in which an opportunistic infection related to AIDS has been documented. Results: A total of 548 patients included (22.7% of admissions) of average age of 39.9±11.2 years (17-82 years), mostly female (n-339; 61.9%), singles (n-403;73.5%), with a primary education level (n-218;39.8%). The majority (n=403; 73,5%) came from an urban area, with a primary education level (n-218;39.8%), residing in cities (n-403;73).77 Patients working in the informal sector were overwhelmingly represented (n-357;65.1) followed by the unemployed (n-51; 9.3%). The average consultation time was 29 ±3.5 (6-42) days. Type 1 HIV was the most found (419; 78.1%) and Lower CD4< 200/mm3 in 93 patients. The most common opportunistic infections found were Tuberculosis (n-231;42.2%), Toxoplasmosis (n-85;15.5%) and Neuromeningeal Cryptococcosis (n-58; 10.6%). Only 381 patients were on ARTV (69.5%), first-line (n-124; 74.3%). The average length of hospital stay was 20.4-11.8 (5-60) days. The overall lethality was 68%. Conclusion: Opportunistic infections remain common at the Brazzaville University Hospital in an HIV-depressed population1. Tuberculosis affects lethality, which is high as a result of therapeutic non-compliance. This is to say the importance of early HIV testing and management to minimize the emergence of opportunistic diseases in this area.