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Forero-Peña DA, Carrión-Nessi FS, Forero-Peña JL, Camejo-Ávila NA, Mendoza-Millán DL, Omaña-Ávila ÓD, Maricuto AL, Velásquez VL, Mejía-Bernard MD, Rodriguez-Saavedra CM, Marcano-Rojas MV, Contreras Y, Guerra LJ, Alvarado MF, Carballo M, Caldera J, Guevara RN, Redondo MC, Landaeta ME. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study in Caracas, Venezuela. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:87. [PMID: 38225550 PMCID: PMC10789023 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted multiple health services, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, care, and treatment services, jeopardizing the achievement of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 global target. While there are limited studies assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Latin America, there are none, to our knowledge, in Venezuela. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among PLHIV seen at the outpatient clinic of a reference hospital in Venezuela. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among PLHIV aged 18 years and over seen at the Infectious Diseases Department of the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela between March 2021 and February 2022. RESULTS A total of 238 PLHIV were included in the study. The median age was 43 (IQR 31-55) years, and the majority were male (68.9%). Most patients (88.2%, n = 210) came for routine check-ups, while 28 (11.3%) were newly diagnosed. The majority of patients (96.1%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but only 67.8% had a viral load test, with almost all (95.6%) being undetectable. Among those who attended regular appointments, 11.9% reported missing at least one medical consultation, and 3.3% reported an interruption in their ART refill. More than half of the patients (55.5%) had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the rest expressed hesitancy to get vaccinated. Most patients with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were male (65.1%), younger than 44 years (57.5%), employed (47.2%), and had been diagnosed with HIV for less than one year (33%). However, no statistically significant differences were found between vaccinated patients and those with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Older age was a risk factor for missing consultations, while not having an alcoholic habit was identified as a protective factor against missing consultations. CONCLUSION This study found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on adherence to medical consultations and interruptions in ART among PLHIV seen at the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Forero-Peña
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela.
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| | - Fhabián S Carrión-Nessi
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| | - José L Forero-Peña
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | | | - Daniela L Mendoza-Millán
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Óscar D Omaña-Ávila
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Andrea L Maricuto
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Viledy L Velásquez
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Mario D Mejía-Bernard
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | | | - Yoesmir Contreras
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Luis J Guerra
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María F Alvarado
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Martín Carballo
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Jocays Caldera
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Rafael N Guevara
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María C Redondo
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María E Landaeta
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
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Shafiq M, Zafar S, Ahmad A, Kazmi A, Fatima A, Mujahid TA, Qazi R, Akhter N, Shahzad A, Rehman SU, Shereen MA, Hyder MZ. Second-Line Antiretroviral Treatment Outcome in HIV-Infected Patients Coinfected with Tuberculosis in Pakistan. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:4187488. [PMID: 37124927 PMCID: PMC10132892 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4187488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) coinfection in human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV-) infected patients is considered a risk of antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure. Coadministration of antitubercular therapy (ATT) with ART is another challenge for TB management. Objective The study was aimed at investigating contributing factors affecting treatment outcomes in HIV-/TB-coinfected patients. Design Cross-sectional. Setting. Samples were collected from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital Islamabad. Subject and Methods. Clinicodemographic and immunovirological factors between the two groups were compared. The Student t-test and chi-square test were applied to compare outcome variables, and logistic regression was applied to determine the effect of TB on virological failure (VF). Main Outcome Measures. TB coinfection did not increase VF even in univariate (p = 0.974) and multivariate analysis at 6 and 12 months of 2nd-line ART start. ARV switching was significant (p = 0.033) in TB-coinfected patients. VF was significantly high in ATT-coadministered patients along with a viral load of ≥1000 (p = 0.000). Sample Size and Characteristics. We recruited seventy-four HIV patients on 2nd-line ART; 33 coinfected with TB were followed for at least 12 months. Conclusion In HIV-/TB-coinfected patients, CD4 count, CD4 gain, and VF remained comparable to HIV patients with no TB infection. ATT significantly affects the treatment outcome, suggesting drug-to-drug interactions. These factors are important to revisit the therapeutic guidelines to maximize the benefit of dual therapy in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shafiq
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sana Zafar
- Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Kohsar University Murree, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Abeer Kazmi
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Wuhan, China
| | - Alina Fatima
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tanvir Ahmed Mujahid
- Dermatology Department, Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Kharian, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Rizwan Qazi
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nasim Akhter
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Muhammad Zeeshan Hyder
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Serious fungal infections in Pakistan. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 36:949-956. [PMID: 28161741 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-017-2919-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The true burden of fungal infection in Pakistan is unknown. High-risk populations for fungal infections [tuberculosis (TB), diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, cancer, transplant and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection] are numerous. Here, we estimate the burden of fungal infections to highlight their public health significance. Whole and at-risk population estimates were obtained from the WHO (TB), BREATHE study (COPD), UNAIDS (HIV), GLOBOCAN (cancer) and Heartfile (diabetes). Published data from Pakistan reporting fungal infections rates in general and specific populations were reviewed and used when applicable. Estimates were made for the whole population or specific populations at risk, as previously described in the LIFE methodology. Of the 184,500,000 people in Pakistan, an estimated 3,280,549 (1.78%) are affected by a serious fungal infection, omitting all cutaneous infection, oral candidiasis and allergic fungal sinusitis, which we could not estimate. Compared with other countries, the rates of candidaemia (21/100,000) and mucormycosis (14/100,000) are estimated to be very high, and are based on data from India. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis rates are estimated to be high (39/100,000) because of the high TB burden. Invasive aspergillosis was estimated to be around 5.9/100,000. Fungal keratitis is also problematic in Pakistan, with an estimated rate of 44/100,000. Pakistan probably has a high rate of certain life- or sight-threatening fungal infections.
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Baqi S, Abro AG, Salahuddin N, Ashraf Memon M, Qamar Abbas S, Baig-Ansari N. Four years of experience with antiretroviral therapy in adult patients in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Int Health 2012; 4:260-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inhe.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Khanani MR, Ansari AS, Khan S, Somani M, Kazmi SU, Ali SH. Concentrated epidemics of HIV, HCV, and HBV among Afghan refugees. J Infect 2010; 61:434-7. [PMID: 20831883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2010.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Rai MA, Nerurkar VR, Khoja S, Khan S, Yanagihara R, Rehman A, Kazmi SU, Ali SH. Evidence for a "Founder Effect" among HIV-infected injection drug users (IDUs) in Pakistan. BMC Infect Dis 2010; 10:7. [PMID: 20064274 PMCID: PMC2820481 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-10-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously reported a HIV-1 subtype A infection in a community of injection drug users (IDUs) in Karachi, Pakistan. We now show that this infection among the IDUs may have originated from a single source. Methods Phylogenetic analysis was performed of partial gag sequences, generated using PCR, from 26 HIV-positive IDU samples. Results Our results showed formation of a tight monophyletic group with an intra-sequence identity of < 98% indicating a "founder effect". Our data indicate that the HIV-1 epidemic in this community of IDUs may have been transmitted by an HIV positive overseas contract worker who admitted to having contact with commercial sex workers during stay abroad. Conclusion Specific measures need to implemented to control transmission of HIV infection in Pakistan through infected migrant workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Rai
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Kuo I, ul-Hasan S, Galai N, Thomas DL, Zafar T, Ahmed MA, Strathdee SA. High HCV seroprevalence and HIV drug use risk behaviors among injection drug users in Pakistan. Harm Reduct J 2006; 3:26. [PMID: 16914042 PMCID: PMC1564387 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-3-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2006] [Accepted: 08/16/2006] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction HIV and HCV risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) in two urban areas in Pakistan were identified. Methods From May to June 2003, 351 IDUs recruited in harm-reduction drop-in centers operated by a national non-governmental organization in Lahore (Punjab province) and Quetta (Balochistan province) completed an interviewer-administered survey and were tested for HIV and HCV. Multivariable logistic regression identified correlates of seropositivity, stratifying by site. All study participants provided written, informed consent. Results All but two were male; median age was 35 and <50% had any formal education. None were HIV-positive; HCV seroprevalence was 88%. HIV awareness was relatively high, but HCV awareness was low (19%). Injection behaviors and percutaneous exposures such as drawing blood into a syringe while injecting ('jerking'), longer duration of injection, and receiving a street barber shave were significantly associated with HCV seropositivity. Discussion Despite no HIV cases, overall HCV prevalence was very high, signaling the potential for a future HIV epidemic among IDUs across Pakistan. Programs to increase needle exchange, drug treatment and HIV and HCV awareness should be implemented immediately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Kuo
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Salman ul-Hasan
- Nai Zindagi, Office No. 37-38, Top floor Beverly Center, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Noya Galai
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - David L Thomas
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Tariq Zafar
- Nai Zindagi, Office No. 37-38, Top floor Beverly Center, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad A Ahmed
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of International Health and Cross Cultural Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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Parviz S, Fatmi Z, Altaf A, McCormick JB, Fischer-Hoch S, Rahbar M, Luby S. Background demographics and risk behaviors of injecting drug users in Karachi, Pakistan. Int J Infect Dis 2006; 10:364-71. [PMID: 16793307 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2005.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2005] [Revised: 06/28/2005] [Accepted: 07/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To find the prevalence of HIV infection and risk behaviors among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Karachi, Pakistan. DESIGN A cross-sectional study of IDUs conducted in Karachi, Pakistan from February through June 1996. RESULTS Of the 242 IDUs, 11 (4%) refused HIV testing. One (0.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.37-0.48%) was HIV positive. All subjects were male. Over the past 6 months 47% had engaged in receptive needle sharing, 38% had perceived a change in their social network, 22% had had sexual intercourse, of whom only 7% always used condoms, and none had washed their needles with bleach. Younger age (28 vs. 31 years; p = 0.01), younger age at first injection (25 vs. 28 years; p = 0.001), fewer years of schooling (3 vs. 5 years; p = 0.001), lower monthly income (70 dollars vs. 80 dollars; p = 0.03), inhaling fumes of heroin from a foil in the year before injecting (OR = 4.8; CI = 2.2-10.3), injecting first time with heroin (OR = 3.6; CI = 1.2-12.6), having a temporary job (OR = 2.5; CI = 1.2-5.2), and a perceived change in one's social network (OR = 4.4; CI = 2.4-7.9) were all associated with receptive needle sharing. IDUs who knew about HIV spread through contaminated needles were less likely to share (OR = 0.4; CI 0.2-0.8). In the final logistic regression model receptive needle sharing was associated with inhaling of fumes of heroin on a foil in the year prior to injecting (adjusted OR = 5.6; CI = 2.6-12.0), a perceived change in one's social network (adjusted OR = 4.0; CI = 2.2-7.4), and inversely associated with age at first time of injection (beta = -0.07; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Background HIV prevalence was low among IDUs in Karachi despite high-risk behavior in 1996. In order to control HIV transmission among IDUs in Pakistan, continual HIV surveillance with well-coordinated and effective HIV risk reduction, and drug demand reduction programs need to be implemented among drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehzad Parviz
- Community Health Sciences Department, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Furber AS, Newell JN, Lubben MM. A systematic review of current knowledge of HIV epidemiology and of sexual behaviour in Nepal. Trop Med Int Health 2002; 7:140-8. [PMID: 11841704 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3156.2002.00844.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review information on HIV epidemiology and on sexual behaviour in Nepal with a view to identifying gaps in current knowledge. METHODS Systematic review covering electronic databases, web-based information, personal contact with experts and hand searching of key journals. RESULTS HIV-1 seroprevalence has been rising rapidly in association with high-risk behaviours, with current levels of 40% amongst the nation's injecting drug users and approaching 20% amongst Kathmandu's female commercial sex workers (FCSWs). HIV seroprevalence remains low in the general population (0.29% of 15-49 year olds). There are significant methodological limitations in many of the seroprevalence studies identified, and these estimates need to be treated with caution. There are extensive migration patterns both within the country and internationally which provide the potential for considerable sexual networking. However, studies of sexual behaviour have focused on FCSWs and the extent of sexual networks within the general population is largely unknown. CONCLUSIONS Whilst some of the ingredients are present for an explosive HIV epidemic in Nepal, crucial knowledge on sexual behaviour in the general population is missing. Research on sexual networking is urgently required to guide HIV control in Nepal. There is also a need for further good-quality epidemiological studies of HIV seroprevalence.
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