Evaluation of some haemostatic parameters in falciparum malaria and HIV co-infection.

BACKGROUND: Studies from sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is endemic have observed high incidences of malaria and HIV co-infection. It has long been accepted that malaria causes alterations in haemostatic parameters and that HIV is associated with a wide range of haematological changes. We assessed the effect of the overlap of these infections on routine haemostatic parameters. METHOD: The study involved 337 subjects grouped according to their HIV and malaria status: Group 1 'Asymptomatic HIV seropositive, Plasmodium falciparum positive' (n = 61); Group 2 'Asymptomatic HIV seropositive, P. falciparum negative' (n = 73); Group 3 'Symptomatic HIV seropositive, P. falciparum positive' (n = 49); Group 4 'Symptomatic HIV positive P. falciparum negative' (n = 56); Group 5 'Control HIV negative, P. falciparum positive' (n = 52) and Group 6 'Control HIV negative, P. falciparum negative' (n = 46). Blood samples were taken for HIV testing, diagnosis of falciparum malaria and malaria parasite density counts. Citrated samples were used within one hour of collection for prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). CD4+ T cell counts, platelet count and haematocrit (Hct) were also performed. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate greater alterations in APTT, PT and platelet count with prolongation of APTT, PT and lower platelet counts in HIV and malaria co-infection. In spite of this, the co-infected subjects with mild to moderate parasitaemia did not show a bleeding tendency; however, the risk is higher in severe malaria. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that co-infected subjects with severe malaria have a higher risk of bleeding and would require greater monitoring.

Demographic predictors of HIV serostatus among HIV counseling and testing clients in rural Nigeria.

Nnewi is a rural Nigerian town with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing center which tests about 120 clients/d. The objective of this study is to determine the factors predicting positive HIV status at Nnewi. Review of records was done with age, gender, marital status, and occupation as variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors linked to a positive HIV test. Overall HIV prevalence was 31.14%. Drivers and married clients had a high risk of being HIV+ (odds ratio [OR], 3.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.17-5.96 and OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 2.42-3.19). Housewives were 2 times more likely to be positive (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.35-3.29). After adjustment, females had 22% higher risk (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03-1.45) with the highest chance found in married females (OR, 6.70; 95% CI, 4.45-10.09). The study succeeded in panning out an unexpected risk group: married women. Drivers have been known to be a risk group. Preventive methods must be tailored to and acceptable by each risk group.