Abstract

A STUDY ON OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS IN HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS VISITING THE NODAL ANTI-RETROVIRAL THERAPY CENTER IN MIDDLE EAST INDIA

Anitha Jose Subin*

Abstract

Background: Human immune Virus can reduce the immunity of the human body and may facilitate progression of various infections in the affected body which are termed as opportunistic infections. These can be lethal later during the progress of disease and therefore should be handled very carefully. Assam is a state in middle east India surrounded by most critical areas like Manipur in terms of HIV/AIDS. The study of opportunistic infections in HIV positive patients can therefore contribute to improve the quality of life of patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among patients visiting nodal ART center in Guwahati Medical college hospital, Assam. Although the study was conducted for a period of six months, the active case files retained in the hospital till that date was studied with the help of the practicing physicians. Results: Study was conducted among 575 patients visiting the nodal ART center. 70.61% of influenced individuals were males and 79.83% got the HIV via heterosexual contact as the method of transmission. Under 20% of complete populace under investigation didn't have any opportunistic diseases. Pulmonary TB constituted 189 (38.8%) of total infections followed by skin infections of bacterial origin 82 (16.91%) patients. Oral candidiasis constituted the most common fungal infection with incidence number 65(63.73%). H. Progenitalis was the most common concurrent sexually transmitted disease in 10 (33.33%) patients followed by syphilis and Condylomata accuminatum in 2 patients (14.29%) each. 284 (80.68%) patients in BMI category 18.5-24.9 are affected with OIs whereas only 38 (70.37%) were having OIs in 25-32 category. Conclusion: This study tried to through some light on Opportunistic infections in HIV positive patients eligible for Antiretroviral therapy. Tuberculosis was the most common Opportunistic Infection followed by Upper Respiratory Tract infections and Oral Candidiasis. Opportunistic infections were more common in patients with low BMI.

Keywords: Anti-retroviral therapy, opportunistic infections, HIV, Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), CD4 cell count, BMI.