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Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Children on Treatment in Southern Morocco: A 12-Years Retrospective
Hayat Iziki1,2, Souad Yakini3,4, Raja Ouabich5
1Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Agadir, Agadir, Morocco.
Insights
Opportunistic infections (OIs) affect 37% of children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with diarrhea, tuberculosis, and pneumonia being most common. Early detection and anemia management are crucial for reducing infant mortality.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children significantly increases infant mortality risk.
- HIV-induced immunodeficiency predisposes children to opportunistic infections (OIs), causing over 90% of HIV-related deaths.
- Understanding primary OIs in pediatric HIV cases is vital for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the main opportunistic infections (OIs) in children with HIV.
- To analyze data from HIV-infected children at Hassan II Regional Hospital Center (2012-2023).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzing 76 complete medical records.
- Utilized a data collection form based on existing literature.
- First study in Morocco to investigate OIs in pediatric HIV patients.
Main Results:
- 37% of HIV-infected children experienced OIs.
- Diarrhea (11%), tuberculosis (9%), and pneumonia (7%) were the most prevalent OIs.
- Significant correlations found between OIs and HIV clinical stage (P=0.001), age (P=0.007), and anemia (P=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Early detection, prevention, and treatment adherence are critical for reducing OI burden in pediatric HIV.
- Managing anemia is essential for improving outcomes.
- OIs remain a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected children.
Background:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children is a significant public health concern, increasing the risk of infant mortality. Immunodeficiency caused by HIV favors the development of opportunistic infections (OIs), which are responsible for over 90% of HIV-related deaths. This study seeks to determine the primary OIs in children with HIV followed at the Hassan II Regional Hospital Center in Sous Massa, during the period from 2012 to 2023.
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective study is the first in Morocco to investigate OIs among HIV-infected children. It analyzed 76 complete medical records, using a data collection form designed based on existing literature.
Results:
This study revealed that 37% of participants were suffering from OIs, mainly diarrhea (11%), tuberculosis (9%) and pneumonia (7%).There was a significant correlation between OIs and HIV clinical stage (P=0.001), age (P=0.007), and anemia (P=0.001). Despite progress in management, the presence of OIs remains a risk factor for infant morbidity and mortality.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the importance of early detection, prevention, and adherence to treatment in reducing this burden. Management of anemia is essential.
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