Prevalence of Opportunistic Infections in Hiv-infected Adult Patients at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Opportunistic Infections (OIs) constitute the first manifestation of HIV infection, indicating significant immunodeficiency. OIs remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected persons. Since most of OIs are readily treatable and preventable, every effort should be made to facilitated their management. However, there is a need to establish local prevalence of OIs and evaluate their management. This would guide in prioritizing resource and support development of suitable management strategies.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of HIV-related OIs in adult patients.

Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted between July and August 2011 at Kenyatta National Hospital –Comprehensive Care Center (KNH-CCC). Adult patients who were HIV positive and attending outpatient clinic at KNH-CCC were included. Information was collected on patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics and presence of new or active OIs. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5.

Results: The prevalence of opportunistic infections was 14.1 % (95% CI: 10.7-18.5).  Overall, the most commonly reported bacterial infection was pneumonia (6.4%) whereas pulmonary tuberculosis was reported in 3.6% of patients. Significant association was found between a patients’ current OI status and WHO stage when HIV was diagnosed (AOR= 3.79 [95% CI = 1.43 – 10.03], P=0.007) and duration since HIV diagnosis (AOR 3.89 [95% CI= 1.58-9.59], P=0.003.  90% of patients were prescribed Co-trimoxazole as chemoprophylaxis agent.

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of OIs among the HIV/AIDS patients at KNH-CCC. Bacterial Pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis were the most commonly observed OIs.