Epidemiological and Clinical outcomes of moderate and severe forms of COVID-19 among HIV inpatients at the Armed Forces Training Hospital Omar BONGO ONDIMBA in Gabon

Introduction: The first case of COVID-19 in Gabon was reported in March 2020. The public health situation in the country is challenging, including the fight against HIV. Currently, 22,253 people living with HIV (adults and children) are being monitored, and only 9,976 are receiving antiretroviral treatment. In 2017, the estimated HIV prevalence was 4.2%. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological aspects and clinical forms of COVID-19 in PLHIV, determine their WHO clinical stages, and evaluate the impact of ART before admission.

Methods: This study was a descriptive and retrospective investigation of medical records from HIV-positive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in the internal medicine department, from January 1 to December 31, 2021.

Results: The study analyzed 15 PLWHIV who presented with moderate and severe forms of COVID-19, with a median age of 34 years old. The most common lung lesions found were ground-glass multifocal opacities, followed by subpleural consolidations. Among the severe forms, 50% had discontinued or stopped ART treatment.

Conclusion: Our study found that PLHIV are prone to developing moderate forms of COVID-19, with a younger age group affected. Males appear to be more likely to have severe forms of the disease.