Opportunistic Infections in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Background: Opportunistic infections, which are still a major problem in the care of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), occur in situations of immunosuppression. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the profile of Opportunistic Infections in People Living with HIV starting Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) in Kinshasa during the Dolutegravir era. Methods: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional study to determine the profile of OIs among PLHIV starting ART in Outpatient Treatment Centers (OTC) in Kinshasa. Sixteen OTCs had been included in the study. The patient inclusion period in the study was from October 04, 2021 to February 15, 2022. The population of the present study was patients over the age of 18 at inclusion, infected with HIV-1 and starting ART in a selected OTC. Results: 119 patients were included in this study respecting the inclusion criteria. 56.3% of patients included are women. The mean age on D0 is 39.87 ± 12.36 years. The most represented age group is that of 36 to 45 years with 37 patients (31.9%). The Opportunistic Infections most found in these PLHIV are: Malaria with 54 cases (45.4%), Tuberculosis (29.4%) and Cutaneous pruritus (23.5%). Conclusion: In this cohort of patients starting ARV treatment in Kinshasa, the most common opportunistic infections are Malaria, Tuberculosis and Cutaneous Pruritus.