A retrospective analysis of individuals living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the general characteristics, transmission routes and sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data of individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection during the course of their follow-up. Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 80 individuals diagnosed with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who were aged 18 or above. These individuals were followed up in the infectious diseases and clinical microbiology outpatient clinic. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the epidemiological data pertaining to the patients. Results: Of the 80 patients, 72 were male, and the mean age was 44.98 +/- 12.76 years (range: 18-71 years). In the majority of patients (57.5%), the diagnosis was established through the analysis of routine blood tests. The most prevalent mode of transmission was heterosexual intercourse, accounting for 75% of cases. In accordance with the criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 66 cases were classified as stage A, one case was designated as stage B, and 13 cases were categorized as stage C. The most frequently utilized antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens were tenofovir alafenamide + emtricitabine + cobicistat + elvitegravir in 28.75% of cases and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + emtricitabine + dolutegravir in 21.25% of cases. The most prevalent opportunistic infections were oral candidiasis (6.25%) and tuberculosis (5%). Two cases of Kaposi's sarcoma and one case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were identified as AIDS-related malignancies. Discussion: The global prevalence of HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern. It is therefore recommended that people living with HIV be followed up on a regular basis, with their sociodemographic characteristics analyzed and recorded.