Interactions between malaria and HIV infections in pregnant women: a first report of the magnitude, clinical and laboratory features, and predictive factors in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: HIV and malaria are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy in Africa. However, data from Congolese pregnant women are lacking. The aim of the study was to determine the magnitude, predictive factors, clinical, biologic and anthropometric consequences of malaria infection, HIV infection, and interactions between malaria and HIV infections in pregnant women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women admitted and followed up at Camp Kokolo Military Hospital from 2009 to 2012 in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Differences in means between malaria-positive and malaria-negative cases or between HIV-positive and HIV-negative cases were compared using the Student's t-test or a non-parametric test, if appropriate. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, if appropriate. Backward multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the potential risk factors of malaria and HIV infections. The odds ratios with their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated to measure the strengths of the associations. Analyses resulting in values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A malaria infection was detected in 246/332 (74.1%) pregnant women, and 31.9% were anaemic. Overall, 7.5% (25/332) of mothers were infected by HIV, with a median CD4 count of 375 (191; 669) cells/µL. The mean (±SD) birth weight was 2,613 ± 227 g, with 35.7% of newborns weighing less than 2,500 g (low birth weight). Low birth weight, parity and occupation were significantly different between malaria-infected and uninfected women in adjusted models. However, fever, anemia, placenta previa, marital status and district of residence were significantly associated to HIV infection. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malaria infection was high in pregnant women attending the antenatal facilities or hospitalized and increased when associated with HIV infection.

Cryptosporidium identification in HIV-Infected Humans. Experience from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cryptosporidium is an important protozoan parasite affecting HIV/AIDS patients. To determine the prevalence and the species of Cryptosporidium spp by developing a rapid and efficient real-time PCR-RFLP test. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-infected adults from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Stool specimens were examined by microscopic evaluation and real-time PCR-RFLP. Out of 242 HIV-infected adults, 10 (4.1%) cases of Cryptosporidium were identified by microscopic examination. Using PCR-RFLP, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp was 5.4% (n = 13). All the 13 cases of Cryptosporidium spp had the stage of AIDS of HIV infection. Extracted DNA was amplified by nested PCR targeting a 1030-bp fragment of the 18s RNA gene. RFLP analysis identified one C. parvum, four C. hominis and one non determined Cryptosporidium. The capacity to detect C. parvum, C. hominis and non-determined Cryptosporidium was present among our HIV-infected patients.