Prevalence of Covid-19-Like Symptoms Among People Living With Hiv, and Using Antiretroviral Therapy for Prevention and Treatment Publisher Pubmed



Seyedalinaghi S¹ ; Ghadimi M² ; Hajiabdolbaghi M¹ ; Rasoolinejad M¹ ; Abbasian L¹ ; Nezhad MH³ ; Manshadi SD¹ ; Ghadimi F¹ ; Ahmadinejad Z⁴
Source: Current HIV Research Published:2020

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has spread globally with remarkable speed, and currently, there is limited data available exploring any aspect of the intersection between HIV and SARSCoV-2 co-infection. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19 among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Tehran, Iran. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 200 PLWH were recruited through the positive club via sampling, and completed the symptom-based questionnaire for COVID-19, which was delivered by trained peers. Results: Of 200 participants, respiratory symptoms, including cough, sputum, and shortness of breath, were the most prevalent among participants, but only one person developed symptoms collectively suggested COVID-19 and sought treatments. Conclusion: It appears that existing infection with HIV or receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) might reduce the susceptibility to the infection with SARS-CoV-2 or decrease the severity of the infection acquired. Further research is needed to understand causal mechanisms. © 2020 Bentham Science Publishers.