Changes in viral hepatitis B screening practices over time in West African HIV clinics.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe changes in hepatitis B screening practices over a 3-year period among HIV-infected patients in West Africa. METHODS: A medical chart review was conducted in urban HIV treatment centers in Ivory Coast (3 sites), Benin, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Togo (1 site each). Among patients who started antiretroviral treatment between 2010 and 2012, 100 per year were randomly selected from each clinic. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. We assessed changes in the proportion of patients screened over time and identified predictors of screening in a multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 2097 patients were included (median age: 37 years, 65.4% of women). Overall, 313 (14.9%) patients had been screened for hepatitis B, with an increase from 10.6% in 2010 to 18.9% in 2012 (P<0.001) and substantial differences across countries. In multivariable analysis, being aged over 45 years (adjusted odds ratio: 1.34 [1.01-1.77]) and having an income-generating activity (adjusted odds ratio: 1.82 [1.09-3.03]) were associated with screening for hepatitis B infection. Overall, 62 HIV-infected patients (19.8%, 95% confidence interval: 15.5-24.7) were HBsAg-positive and 82.3% of them received a tenofovir-containing drug regimen. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B screening among HIV-infected patients was low between 2010 and 2012. The increasing availability of HBsAg rapid tests and tenofovir in first-line antiretroviral regimen should improve the rates of hepatitis B screening.

Pratique du dépistage du cancer du col au Service des Maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Abidjan

Le dépistage systématique du cancer du col de l'utérus chez les femmes infectées par le Vih est recommandé par l'oMS et effectif en Côte d'ivoire depuis 2009. l'objectif était de partager l'expérience de cette pratique en routine chez les femmes infectées par le Vih suivies dans un service d'infectiologie à abidjan. il s'est agit d'une étude rétrospective des dossiers de patientes âgées de 25 à 65 ans, infectées par le Vih, suivies au SMiT entre 2010 et 2014. la technique d'inspection visuelle à l'acide acétique (iVa) a été utilisée pour le dépistage. les données socio-démographiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques recueillies ont été analysées à l'aide des logiciels excel 2007 et STaTa version 13.0. le test statistique utilisé pour comparer les pourcentages était le khi deux ou le test exact de Fischer. les différences observées ont été considérées comme significatives en dessous de 5 %. la variable d'intérêt était la réalisation d'au moins un test iVa en routine. Selon le résultat du test iVa, le profil clinique et immunovirologique des patientes a été analysé en précisant la conduite à tenir selon l'indication. enfin la poursuite du dépistage a été notifiée dans le temps spécifiquement chez les femmes négatives au test initial. entre 2010 et 2014, 4 368 femmes infectées par le Vih étaient éligibles au dépistage du cancer du col. Parmi elles, 301 femmes (6,9 %) en ont bénéficié. l'âge médian était de 38 ans [25 - 58 ans]. la médiane des Cd4 au bilan de suivi lors du test iVa était de 291 cellules/mm3 [2 ­ 1 876 cellules/mm3]. le dépistage était positif pour 24 femmes (8 %) et selon les indications, 6 femmes étaient éligibles à la cryothérapie (26 %), 6 à la résection à l'anse diathermique (26 %) et 10 à la réalisation d'un frottis cervico-vaginal, pour une suspicion de cancer invasif (44 %). les patientes positives au test iVa étaient relativement plus jeune (35 vs 38 ans ; p = 0,03). aucun contrôle ultérieur n'a été effectué chez 90 % (n = 249) de celles qui ont eu un test iVa négatif au premier dépistage. le dépistage systématique est peu réalisé en routine au cours du suivi des femmes Vih. les défis opérationnels doivent être relevés pour une optimisation des soins en afrique

[Surgical tetanus in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire]. / Tétanos à porte d'entrée chirurgicale à Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological and clinical features and the outcome of tetanus with a surgical wound (open fracture, burn, incision, curettage, etc) as the portal of entry. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of records of patients hospitalized in the department of infectious and tropical diseases in Abidjan for surgical tetanus from 2003 to 2008. RESULTS: During the 6-year study period, 29 cases were identified. They accounted for 11% of all tetanus cases admitted to the hospital: 8% from 2003 through 2006 and 14% in 2007 and 2008. The patients' average age was 36 years (range: 11-72). Most cases (86%) involved recent surgery, in both public (51%) and private (49%) health facilities. All patients had generalized tetanus at admission, and 24 (86%) paroxysms. Moderate forms predominated (69%). The lethality of tetanus in these surgical wound cases was 45%. The characteristics statistically associated with death were: age >44 years, time of hospitalization >4 days, the presence of paroxysms, and a Dakar prognosis score ≥4. CONCLUSION: The severity of surgical tetanus remains a concern for practitioners. Its high prevalence in recent years demonstrates the need to increase surgeons' awareness of tetanus prevention.

[Antiretroviral prophylaxis after non-occupational exposure to HIV in Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire)]. / Prophylaxie antirétrovirale après expositions non professionnelles au VIH à Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the tolerability and adherence to all non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for cases of HIV exposure in Abidjan. METHOD: We retrospectively studied all post-exposure prophylaxis for non-occupational exposures to HIV prescribed from January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2007 in the Abidjan infectious diseases department. We analyzed the types of exposure, socio-demographic characteristics of patients, antiretroviral therapy regimens, adherence and tolerability, duration of the treatment, and post-exposure follow-up. RESULTS: Over these eight years, we managed 128 consultations for non-professional exposures to HIV (50 male [39%], 78 female patients [61%]), average age 24.8 years (four-54 years). The most frequent exposures were due to rape (n=74), condom rupture (n=29), and occasional unprotected sex (n=21). The average delay before consultation was 20.8 hours. The antiretroviral chemoprophylaxis included a protease inhibitor in 93% of the cases; 80.5% of patients completed 28 days of chemoprophylaxis, while 8.6% interrupted the treatment, and 10.9% were lost to follow-up. The most frequent adverse effects were gastrointestinal, reported by 79 patients (61.7%). Only 34 patients (26.6%) returned for clinical and biological post-exposure follow-up with HIV control at third month, without documented seroconversion. CONCLUSION: Cases of sexual exposure to HIV are the main indication for post-exposure prophylaxis in Abidjan, except for occupational exposure to blood. However, post-exposure prophylaxis should be available in the units of primary care, such as emergencies departments.

Preferential association of aldosterone synthase gene polymorphism with central blood pressure and wave reflections in hypertensive individuals.

In hypertensive humans, the CC genotype of the aldosterone synthase gene polymorphism (ASGP) CYP11B(2) (C-344T variant) is associated with increased aortic stiffness. Whether ASGP is also associated with altered central (carotid) wave reflections has never been investigated. After 1-month wash-out period, 124 hypertensive individuals were submitted to measurements of brachial and carotid systolic blood pressure (SBP), aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and wave reflections, using the carotid augmentation index (CAI) determined from pulse wave analysis. Two age- and sex-adjusted models of the impact of ASGP were analysed. Comparing the ASGP-CC with ASGP-TT and -TC genotypes, the former had significantly stronger intergroup correlation coefficients for age or CAI vs heart rate relationships (P=0.008; P=0.02). Stepwise multiple regressions showed that carotid SBP was independently influenced by PWV and CAI, but only in individuals with the CC (P=0.0002; P=0.03) and TC genotypes (P=0.0004; P=0.004). Those associations were not, or only weakly, observed using the brachial artery SBP model. In conclusion, this study showed that, in hypertensive individuals, ASGP is not directly associated with the SBP level, but rather independently with its two main determinants, central PWV and wave reflections. The result was observed only for CC and TC genotypes. Such findings are observed when central, but not brachial, haemodynamic measurements are performed.

[Impact of access to antiretroviral therapy in Côte d'Ivoire]. / Bilan de l'accès aux antirétroviraux en Côte d'Ivoire.

In 1998 UNAIDS implemented the national drug access initiative (DAI) in Côte d'Ivoire. The Ivorian government took the DAI over in 2000 with the support of the Global Fund and Presidential Emergency Program For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The ensuing affordability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), medical staff training, and healthcare equipment allowed Ministry of Health to improve HIV care throughout the country. Since 2008 ART and follow-up monitoring have been free of charge for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). In January 2009 a total of 57,833 PLWHA received ART and follow-up at 274 HIV care centers. Use of ART has improved the life expectancy of PLWHA. However morbidity and mortality remained high during the first year of ART implementation with respective frequencies of 5-10% person-year (PY) and 2-3% PY. Morbidity was mainly related to infectious disease (tuberculosis and bacteriaemia) and earlier onset of adverse events (AE). In most cases ART has been well tolerated. The main adverse effects have been anemia, neuropathy, skin toxicity and liver enzyme elevation. The incidence of stage 3/4 AE has been low (< 2 %PY). Although overall compliance has been good (<80%), data among children and adults suggest the need for further work to reinforce support mechanisms. Convincing results have been obtained in the management of PLWHA. Nevertheless greater funding and commitment must be given to management of opportunistic infections and side effects and to development of nutrition support services.

Bilan de l'acces aux antiretroviraux en Cote d'Ivoire

L'initiative nationale d'acces aux antiretroviraux en Cote d`Ivoire a debute en 1998 sous l'egide de l'ONUSIDA. Le relais a ete assure par le gouvernement ivoirien en 2000 avec le soutien du FondsMondial et du PEPFAR (President Emergency Program ForAids Reliefs). L'accessibilite financiere; la formation du personnel de soins et l'equipement des structures sanitaires ont permis la decentralisation de la prise en charge sur tout le territoire national. Depuis aout 2008; le traitement antiretroviral est gratuit de meme que le suivi biologique. Fin janvier 2009; l'on denombrait 57 833 patients sous antiretroviraux; suivis dans 274 centres de prise en charge. L'utilisation des multitherapies antiretrovirales a considerablement modifie le pronostic avec une amelioration de l'esperance de vie des patients infectes par le VIH. Cependant la morbidite et la mortalite restent encore preoccupantes au cours de la premiere annee suivant la mise en route du traitement avec des incidences respectives variant entre 5 et 10patients-annee (PA) et 2 et 3PA. La morbidite est principalement en rapport avec les infections (tuberculose; bacteriemies) et les effets secondaires precoces. Les traitements antiretroviraux sont globalement bien toleres; les principaux effets secondaires etant l'anemie; les neuropathies; les reactions cutanees et les hypertransaminasemies. Les effets secondaires de grade 3 et 4 ont une incidence faible (2PA). L'observance est bonne; estimee a 80; mais des donnees obtenues chez les enfants et sur certains sites de prise en charge incitent a renforcer les dispositifs d'appui a l'observance. Des resultats probants ont ete obtenus dans la prise en charge antiretrovirale des personnes vivant avec l eVIH .Aussi les efforts sont-ils a poursuivre pour le financement et la prise en charge des infections opportunistes et des effets secondaires et pour l'appui nutritionnel

[Efavirenz versus indinavir among HIV-1 naive patients in Abidjan (Ivory Coast)]. / Efavirenz versus indinavir chez les patients naïfs infectés par le VIH-1 à Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

OBJECTIVE: The authors had for aim to compare the therapeutic efficiency and tolerance of 2 NRTI+efavirenz (EFV) versus 2 NRTI+indinavir (IDV) in HIV infected adults in Abidjan. METHODS: A retrospective and multicentric study was made on 327 HIV-1 naive patients, 142 in the EFV group and 185 in the IDV group followed in Abidjan from November 1998 to December 2003. The analysis concerned clinical advents (opportunistic infections) and immunovirological parameters (CD4, viral load). Patients received 2 NRTI such as AZT+3TC or D4T+3TC combined either with EFV or IDV. The principal judgement criterion was therapeutic failure. We assessed the percentage of patients with undetectable viral load and the frequency of grade 3-4 adverse effects after 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Clinical improvement of patients' state and regression of opportunistic infections were identical in the two groups. The average gain of CD4 was superior to 177 in EFV versus +219 in IDV (p=0.004). The percentage of patients with undetectable viral load was 66% for EFV versus 59% for IDV (p=0.04). The frequency of adverse effects was more elevated with EFV than IDV, 39% versus 23% (p=0.002) initially, but seemed to decrease later. CONCLUSION: HAART with EFV is at least as efficient as with IDV in terms of reduction of viral load and increased CD4 count and is an excellent low-cost first line treatment.

[Management of accidental exposure to blood in the Treichville teaching hospital, Abidjan (Côte-d'Ivoire)]. / Prise en charge des accidents d'exposition au sang au CHU de Treichville, Abidjan (Côte-d'Ivoire).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess care and preventive measures for accidental exposure to blood (AEB) in Abidjan. METHODS: A retrospective study of all AEB reported in the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Center of the Treichville University Hospital was made between January 2000 and December 2005. Epidemiology, management, clinical and biological post-exposure follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two AEB were managed over 6 years (151 needlesticks, 14 ocular projections of blood, 12 cuts, and 5 mucocutaneous exposure to blood). 94 men (51.6%) and 68 women (48.4%) were included [sex ratio 1.4] mean age 33.8 years+/-7.4 years. Physicians (29.1%), nurses (19.8%), assistant nurse (12.1%), and medical students (11.4%) were the professional categories which declared most accidents. Among them, only 51.1% was correctly vaccinated against hepatitis B. The average delay of consultation was 26.5 hours (1-240 hours), and 82.9% of victims consulted before the 48th hour. Antiretroviral prophylaxis was prescribed to 151 patients among whom 45% with bitherapy (Zidovudine and Lamivudine), and 55% with HAART including an antiprotease. Only 60 patients had one actual month of treatment. Despite the weak follow-up, no case of HIV seroconversion was reported 6 month after exposure. CONCLUSION: This work underlines once again the high frequency of AEB in Abidjan despite a under reporting, and calls for the implementation of a policy to train health care workers on AEB preventive measures.

[Medical emergencies related to HIV/AIDS in tropical zones: a prospective study in Cote d'Ivoire (1999-2000)]. / Urgences médicales liées au VIH/SIDA en zone tropicale: étude prospective en côte d'ivoire, 1999-2000.

At the beginning of the HIV epidemic, the incidence of the complications considered as emergencies was high in developed countries but with the advent of new therapeutic strategies the frequency of such complications and the associated need for emergency treatment decreased drastically. In developing countries where management resources remain limited, HIV/AIDS patients are still exposed to the risk of serious complications. However few studies have documented exact implication of HIV/AIDS in medical emergencies hospitals in developing countries. The purpose of this prospective study was to describe medical emergencies related to HIV infection in adult patients admitted at Treichvilie University Hospital Center. Evaluation of prevalence was carried out in the infections disease and internal medicine emergency units between May 1999 and January 2000. All patients over the age of 15 years were included after informed consent to undergo pre-testing and HIV serology. A total of 400 patients were recruited including 312 that were HIV positive (78%). Mean patient age of patients was 35 years. The male-to-female sex ratio was 1. The most frequent motives for emergency consultation were deterioration of general condition (62%), diarrhea (39.1%) and cough (20.5%). Illness was chronic in 54% of cases. Physical signs were severe weight lost (84%), fever (50%), pale conjunctivas (29%), respiratory signs (19.2%) and dehydration (19%). The most frequent organic involvement causing admission was digestive (39.7%), neurological (24.4%) and pulmonary (20.5%). No deaths were observed. Most medical emergencies related to the HIV infection in the adult involved opportunistic diseases. They pose a challenge for therapeutic management.

[Sensitivity to penicillin G of isolates of pneumococci meningitis and therapeutic implication in CHU of Treichville, Abidjan]. / Sensibilité à la pénicilline G des pneumocoques isolés des méningites et implication thérapeutique au CHU de Treichville - Abidjan.

To determine the frequency of pneumococci meningitis with reduced sensitivity to penicillin G isolated from cerebrospinal fluid, 539 strains were studied between 1996 to 2000. All strains were analysed with oxacilline containing 5 mcg / standard antibiogram for determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for penicillin G by E-test. Our results do not show any significant variation from 1996 to 2000. Generally as regard the penicillin G sensitivity we observed that strains were classified as: sensitive strains (CMI < or = 0.06 mg/l): 22.5%, less sensitive strains (0.6 mg/l < CMI < or = 2 mg/l): 58.2%, resistance (CMI > 2 mg/l): 19.2%. The pneumococci rate with reduced sensitivity observed in our study is high and should be taken into consideration in the therapeutic choices.

[Morbidity and mortality of tetanus in the infectious and tropical diseases department in Abidjan 1985 - 1998]. / Morbidité et mortalité du tétanos dans le service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales d'Abidjan (1985-1998).

UNLABELLED: In spite of the increase of the antitetanus immunization coverage, tetanus is still one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Côte d'Ivoire hospitals. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyse the epidemiological, clinical and prognosis aspects of tetanus in the department of infectious diseases in Abidjan. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out from patients files admitted for tetanus in this department from 1985 to 1998. Tetanus diagnosis was based on clinical arguments. RESULTS: Within a period of fourteen years, 1870 cases of tetanus representing 3% of hospitalised cases were admitted in the infectious diseases department. For 1387 patients answering to the inclusion criteria of the study the ratio MIF was 2.5. The median age was 28 years old (1-85 years). The entrance doors were dominated by cuts (49.3%) and intramuscular injections of drugs (18.7%). Despite the complete vaccination, 7 patients have presented tetanus (0.5%). About 17% have presented progressive complications especially cardio-respiratory complications (41.5%). The total lethality was 31.9% and the after- effects rate 2.3%. The factors of poor prognosis were the age > 60 years old, IM injections, generalised aspect, group III of severity and presence of complications. CONCLUSION: Tetanus frequency certainly drops in infectious and tropical diseases department, but the lethality remains high therefore a reinforcement of the vaccination efforts and a management of patients are recommended.

[Severe malaria in native adults in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)]. / Paludisme grave de l'adulte autochtone à Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

Our retrospective study carried out from 1985 to 1998 in the Unit of Infectious Diseases in Abidjan aimed at describing the epidemiological, clinical and prognosis features of severe malaria among native adults. Within 14 years, we have listed 274 cases of severe malaria for 54 098 hospitalizations (0.5%). 164 men and 110 women were recorded (sex-ratio = 1.5), aged of 33 years (16-86), among them 48% were HIV positive. 23% of the patients had already received an antimalarial treatment. The main clinical presentation was cerebral malaria (78%). The other manifestations were respiratory symptoms (13%), kidney failure (11%), anaemia (11%), macroscopic haemoglobinuria (6%), hypoglycaemia (9%), cardiovascular shock (4%). The average parasite load in blood was 27 222 plasmodium/microl (25 000 - 180200). The treatment used was quinine IV (172 patients), and arthemeter (102 patients). The outcome was favourable in 232 cases (84%) and 42 patients died. Prognosis factors identified were age > 65 years, Glasgow coma score < 7, convulsions, cardio-vascular shock, macroscopic haemoglobinuria. HIV infection has not been identified as a pejorative factor Our results confirm that severe malaria in native adult is a reality in tropical area. This study shows how difficult it is to have an adequate care management regarding this pathology in our context.

[Localized tetanus in Abidjan: clinical and prognostic features (1976-1997)]. / Le tétanos localisé à Abidjan: particularités cliniques et évolutives (1976-1997).

UNLABELLED: Localised tetanus, rarely described in Africa, was examined retrospectively in Abidjan, over a period of 22 years (1976-97). Forty-five patients--representing an incidence rate of 2% of tetanus cases--were reported in this time span. The mean age was 23 years, and none of the patients had had prior access to adequate immunoprophylaxis. Three clinical forms were observed: tetanus of the limbs (32 cases, 71%), cephalic tetanus (11 cases, 25%), and abdominal tetanus (2 cases, 4%). Infection had occurred via wounds of the limbs (38%), intramuscular injections (33%), craniofacial wounds (25%), and abdominal wounds (2%). No portal of entry was identified for 2% of the cases. 37 patients were cured (82%) of whom 5 retained sequelae (11%). 7 deaths were observed (16%). In terms of prognosis, the only risk was secondary generalisation of tetanus (27%). CONCLUSION: Localised tetanus is far from being mild and incurs significant rates of sequelae. The only efficient treatment is immunisation-based prophylaxis.

[Adult non-viral lymphocytic meningitis in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)]. / Méningites lymphocytaires non virales de l'adulte à Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

Our prospective and longitudinal study aimed to analyse the aetiologies, clinical features and prognostic of non viral lymphocytes meningitis (NVLM). We recruited 131 patients, 77 males (59%) and 54 females (41%) sex-ratio 1.4. The mean age was 35 years [15-67]. 117 patients were HIV positive (89%) and 14 (11%) were HIV negative. Feverish meningoencephalitis was present in 85% of cases, with 7 days for mean delay of admission into hospital. 80 germs were found in the C.S.F. 70 Cryptococcus neoformans, 4 Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 1 Candida albicans, 1 Neisseria meningitis and 1 Trypanosoma gambiense. 63 aetiologies were linked to lymphocytes meningitis by indirect deduction: 41 cases of tuberculous meningitis with lung X-ray anomalies and M. tuberculosis in sputum (11 times), 11 cases of cerebral malaria with Plasmodium falciparum in blood, 11 cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis by significant features with cerebral tomodensitometry. Letality was 53%, 35% of patients improved and 12% were lost to follow-up. Our study shows the difficulties in the management of the NVLM, due to the delay of diagnosis, particularly for tuberculous meningitis.

[Lipoprotein profile of patients infected with HIV in Côte d'Ivoire]. / Etude du profil lipidoprotéinique des sujets infectés par le VIH en Côte d'Ivoire.

Aids is a cachexysing disease which is striking Africa. Côte d'Ivoire with its 12% seroprevalence is paying a heavy tribute to this pandemia. The course of the disease is characterized by the occurrence of immunological and biochemical disorders. The aim of this study is to offer African practitioners, clinicians and biologists some biochimical parameters that would help them to follow up people infected with HIV. The authors determined the lipoprotein profile in 204 people (112 Aids patients, 61 HIV infected asymptomatics and 31 controls seronegative to HIV), of both sexes aged 17 to 70 years old. The results show a relatively high level of triglyceridemia, a decreased level of total cholesterol, apoproteins A1 and B and a hypergammaglobulinemia with concomitant and significant increase in the level of orosomucoide as a stigmate of inflammation. These data could help practitioners who lack CD4/CD8 count and viral load monitoring in the follow up of their AIDS patients.

[Problems produced by the use of antitubercular agents in a reference service for HIV/AIDS in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)]. / Problèmes engendrés par l'utilisation des antituberculeux dans un service de référence pour VIH/SIDA à Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

This study reports on the experience using antituberculosis drugs in a HIV/AIDS reference service in Abidjan during a 64 month period. Prevalence of tuberculosis is 1.9% out of a total of 23,957 patients. The annual incidence rate increased slowly from 0.9% in 1990 to 3.5% in 1995. Seropositivity to HIV is 90.8%. Predominant locations of tuberculosis are pulmonary (60.3%), extrapulmonary (19.7%) and multifocal or disseminated (20%). The average period of diagnosis (9.9 days) and average duration of antituberculosis treatment in hospital (11.8 days) are similar whatever the serological status and the location of the infection may be. However, the mortality rate is more important in HIV positive patients (39.7%) than in HIV negative (17.6%) p = 0.01. The decision to treat is taken by infectiologists only in 88% of the cases, by pneumologists only in 2.5%, and both by infectiologists and pneumologists in 9.5%. Side-effects due to antituberculosis drugs were noticed in 19 patients leading to an interruption of the treatment in 10 cases. The authors recommend that health personnel be trained for the management of tuberculosis.

Profound immunosuppression across the spectrum of opportunistic disease among hospitalized HIV-infected adults in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the spectrum of opportunistic disease in HIV-infected patients admitted to hospital in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and to describe the level of immunosuppression at which these diseases occur. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: In-patient wards of the University Hospital Infectious Diseases Unit. PATIENTS: A total of 250 adult patients recruited by systematic sampling at the point of hospital admission. MAIN MEASURES: HIV status; CD4 count; diagnoses, confirmed by microbiological/radiological investigations whenever possible; and outcome of hospitalization (death or discharge). RESULTS: Overall, 79% patients were HIV-positive. The most frequent diagnoses in HIV-positive patients were septicaemia (20%, with non-typhoid salmonellae, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae the most common organisms), HIV wasting (16%), meningitis (14%), tuberculosis (TB; 13%), isosporiasis (10%), cerebral toxoplasmosis (7%) and bacterial enteritis (7%). Most HIV-positive patients had evidence of severe immunosuppression: 39% had CD4 counts < 50 x 10(6)/l, 17% had 50-99 x 10(6)/l, and 20% had 100-199 x 10(6)/l. In-hospital mortality among HIV-positive patients was 38% compared with 27% among HIV-negative patients [age-adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7-2.9]. Among HIV-positive patients, the highest case-fatality rates were among patients with meningitis, toxoplasmosis and TB: in a multivariate analysis the strongest independent risk factors for death were an abnormal level of consciousness (OR, 9.3; 95% CI, 3.5-24.6), a haemoglobin concentration below 8 g/dl (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.4-12.8) and age > 40 years (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.5-10.2). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that, as in industrialized countries, most HIV-infected individuals admitted to and dying in hospital in Abidjan are profoundly immunosuppressed. Potentially preventable infections are the main causes of in-hospital morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected persons in Abidjan, and the evaluation of appropriate primary prophylactic regimes is a priority.