COVID-19 en pacientes con infección por VIH

Abstract

Introduction: the scientific evidence available regarding how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects people living with HIV infection (PLHIV) is scarce and controversial. The objective of this work is to analyze the characteristics and evolution of PLHIV who have suffered COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic in the province of Zamora. Patients and methods: a retrospective observational study was carried out between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, assessing the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 235 PLHIV under follow-up at the Infectology consultation at the Hospital de Zamora. The results are compared with series of patients with HIV-SARS-CoV-2 coinfection and with COVID-19 without HIV infection. Results: 10 PPVHI presented COVID-19. The mean age was 54.48 years and 90% men. 80% had other comorbidities; the most common (50%) is chronic HCV liver disease. 100% were receiving ART, 70% had an undetectable viral load, and 100% had more than 250 CD4 / mm³. 60% had symptoms: fever (100%), cough (66.6%), nasal congestion (50%). 10% required hospital admission for bilateral pneumonia with severe respiratory failure and none were admitted to the ICU. Conclusions: we did not find significant differences in the susceptibility to infection by SARS-CoV-2 of patients with HIV infection with respect to the general population. It is necessary to confirm through clinical trials and cohort studies whether antiretroviral treatment is preventing progression to severe COVID-19 in PLHIV.