Seroprevalence of HIV-2 and dual infection among HIV-infected individuals with clinical and laboratory features at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Mangalore: The present scenario.

INTRODUCTION

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) belongs to the Genus Lentiviruses and is made up of two main types HIV-1 and HIV-2 which are the causative agents of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is well documented that HIV-1 infection is predominantly found, but HIV-2 infection has also been detected occasionally now and then.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of HIV-2 and dual infection in HIV-infected individuals along with the clinical presentation, co-infections, laboratory profile, and outcome of these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital for 2 years from August 2013 to July 2015, after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Patients confirmed having HIV infection, as per the National AIDS Control Organization guidelines were included in the study. The sociodemographic pattern along with clinico-laboratory details and outcome were noted.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In the present study, out of a total of 214 confirmed HIV-infected individuals, 2.8% (n = 6) were HIV-2 and 1.4% (n = 3) were dual infected where 40-50 years age group were most commonly affected. Males were more commonly affected than females in a ratio of 8:1. The most common presentation was fever (n = 5) followed by gastrointestinal (n = 5) symptoms. The most common opportunistic infection (OI) was tuberculosis (TB) (n = 4) followed by oral candidiasis (n = 2). Majority had anemia (n = 5) with raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Furthermore, majority (n = 7) showed improvement on discharge, whereas two (n = 2) left against medical advice and outcome is unknown.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the incidence of HIV-2 and dual infection does occur in our setup with males of older age group being more commonly affected where TB is the most common OI. Hence, clinicians should keep in mind that HIV-2 infection does occur and differentiating as HIV-1, HIV-2, or dual infection is important, to provide appropriate treatment which will result in decreased morbidity and mortality rates.