PREVALENCE OF CO-INFECTIONS IN NOTIFIED PATIENTS WITH AIDS IN A REFERENCE CENTER OF THE STATE OF PARAÍBA

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence of co-infections and opportunistic infections, as well as the main clinical signs and symptoms in patients diagnosed with AIDS in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Material and Methods: This was an epidemiological observational study, with descriptive and retrospective nature, and quantitative approach. We used secondary data from the SINAN-AIDS database of the Reference Center for AIDS of the state of Paraíba. The study population consisted of all the patients notified and diagnosed with AIDS between January 2007 and December 2012. Results: Of the 3,019 patients analyzed, 66.7 % were men and 33.3 % were women. The adapted CDC criterion was the most commonly used for notification of AIDS. Nonspecific manifestations are among the most prevalent clinical conditions, such as cough, fever, cachexy, asthenia and diarrhea. Others diseases with high prevalence were: oral and esophageal candidiasis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis, cerebral toxoplasmosis, herpes zoster and central nervous system disorders. In the six-year period of analysis, there were no detected cases of chronic intestinal cryptosporidiosis, primary lymphoma of the brain and reactivation of Chagas' disease (meningoencephalitis or myocarditis). Conclusion: The knowledge about the prevalence of certain common symptoms and co-infections may support the Reference Center for AIDS, in the state of Paraíba, to develop interventional strategies. By knowing the patients with AIDS and their real needs, we can improve their quality of life and treatment. DESCRIPTORS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV Infections. Coinfection. Epidemiology.