Skin disease among human immunodeficiency virus-infected adolescents in Zimbabwe: a strong indicator of underlying HIV infection.

BACKGROUND

Southern Africa is witnessing the emergence of an epidemic of long-term survivors of vertically acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection presenting with untreated HIV as adolescents. Dermatologic conditions, common in both HIV-infected adults and children, have not been described in this age-group. We investigated the prevalence and spectrum of skin conditions in adolescents admitted to hospitals in Zimbabwe.

METHODS

A total of 301 consecutive adolescents admitted to 2 central Harare hospitals, underwent a dermatologic examination. Clinical history, HIV serology, and CD4 lymphocyte counts were obtained. Herpes simplex virus-2 serology was used as a surrogate marker for sexual activity.

RESULTS

: A total of 139 (46%) patients were HIV-1 antibody positive, of whom only 2 (1.4%) were herpes simplex virus-2 antibody positive. The prevalence of any skin complaint among HIV-infected and uninfected participants was 88% and 14%, respectively (odds ratio: 37.7, 95% confidence interval: 19.4-72). The most common HIV-related conditions were pruritic papular eruptions (42%) and plane warts >5% of body area (24%). Having 3 or more skin conditions, a history of recurrent skin rashes and angular cheilitis were each associated with CD4 counts <200 cells/microL (P < 0.03, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Skin disease was a common and striking feature of underlying HIV-infection in hospitalized HIV-infected adolescents in Zimbabwe. In resource-poor settings with maturing epidemics, the presence of skin disease should be regarded as a strong indication for HIV testing and especially as it may reflect advanced immunosuppression. The high frequency of multiple plane warts has not previously been described, and may be a feature that distinguishes vertically-infected from horizontally-infected adolescents.