Frequency and distribution patterns of opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rubaihayo, John; Tumwesigye, Nazarius; Konde-Lule, Joseph; Wamani, Henry; Nakku-Joloba, Edith; Makumbi, Fredrick
• Is Part Of: BMC research notes. Volume 9:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: HIV/AIDS -- Opportunistic infections -- Antiretroviral therapy -- Prevalence -- TASO -- Uganda; Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-2317-7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-0500

Abstract

Abstract Background We conducted a study to assess the frequency and distribution patterns of selected opportunistic infections (OIs) and opportunistic cancers (OCs) in different geographical areas before and after HAART in Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional serial review of observation data for adult HIV positive patients (≥15 years) enrolled with the AIDS support organization (TASO) in Uganda covering the period from January 2001 to December 2013. Both AIDS defining OIs/OCs and non-AIDS defining OIs were analyzed. The study period was structured into three time periods: "pre- HAART" (2001–2003), "early-HAART" (2004–2008) and "late-HAART" (2009–2013). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data by time period, age, gender and geographical location. Chi squared test used to test the significance of the differences in proportions. Results A total of 108, 619 HIV positive patients were included in the analysis. 64% (64, 240) were female with median age of 33 years (IQR 27–40). The most frequent OIs before HAART were oral candida (34.6%) diarrhoeal infection (<1 month) (30.6%), geohelminths (26.5%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) (17.7%), malaria (15.1%) and bacterial pneumonia (11.2%). In early HAART (2004–2008), the most frequent OIs were geohelminths (32.4%), diarrhoeal infection (25.6%), TB (18.2%) and oral candida (18.1%). In late HAART (2009–2013), the most frequent OIs were geohelminths (23.5%) and diarrhoeal infection (14.3%). By gender, prevalence was consistently higher in women (p < 0.05) before and after HAART for geohelminths, candidiasis, diarrhoeal infection, bacterial pneumonia and genital ulcer disease but consistently higher in men for TB and Kaposi's sarcoma (p < 0.05). By age, prevalence was consistently higher in older age groups (>30 years) before and after HAART for oral candida and TB (p < 0.05) and higher in young age groups (<30 years) for malaria and genital ulcers (p < 0.05). By geographical location, prevalence was consistently higher in Eastern and Northern Uganda before and after HAART for diarrheal infection and geohelminths (p < 0.0001). Conclusions The frequency and pattern of OIs before and after HAART differs by gender, age and geographical location. Prevalence of geohelminths and diarrhea infection(<1 month) remains high especially in Northern and Eastern Uganda even after HAART and should therefore be given special attention in HIV/AIDS care programmes in these settings.