Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and coronavirus disease 2019; impact on vulnerable populations and harnessing

A Cordie1, M AbdAllah2, A Vergori3

  • 1Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

Insights

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) negatively impacts people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by worsening their health and disrupting HIV care. Vulnerable groups like pregnant women and the LGBTQI+ community require special attention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a significant challenge to global health management.
  • People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are a vulnerable population susceptible to severe outcomes from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic can impede essential HIV prevention and treatment services, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the dual impact of COVID-19 on individuals living with HIV and on national HIV control programs.
  • To highlight the heightened risks faced by specific populations, including pregnant women and the LGBTQI+ community.
  • To emphasize the need for coordinated efforts from governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review and analysis of existing literature and public health data.
  • It synthesizes information on the physiological and psychological vulnerabilities of people with HIV during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • It assesses the impact of COVID-19 on HIV care delivery, linkage, and prevention strategies.

Main Results:

  • People with HIV may experience more severe illness when infected with SARS-CoV-2 due to underlying vulnerabilities.
  • The pandemic has strained healthcare systems, potentially limiting access to and continuity of HIV services.
  • Disruptions disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries and specific high-risk groups.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 poses a dual threat to individual health outcomes for people with HIV and the effectiveness of public health interventions for HIV.
  • Targeted strategies and increased support are crucial for pregnant women and the LGBTQI+ community to mitigate adverse outcomes.
  • Collaborative action between governmental and non-governmental organizations is essential for maintaining and improving HIV management during the pandemic.

Related Concept Videos

Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
562
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
48.3K
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
1.4K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
487
Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
37.2K
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
13.0K