Clinico-Epidemiological Study of HIV Patients in El Beheira Governorate

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] is a global pandemic affecting millions of lives. Understanding epidemiological characteristics and clinical presentations can aid in management.The aim of the work: To study the demographic profile, risk factors, clinical features, and opportunistic infections seen in HIV-infected patients at Damanhur Fever Hospital in El Beheira governorate. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 146 patients diagnosed with HIV at Damanhur Fever Hospital between January 2019 and December 2022. Clinico-epidemiological data were collected and analyzed through record-based file extraction.Results: The majority were males [76%] in the middle-age group [11-50 years]. Injection drug use was the most common reported risk factor [31.5%]. Most of our patients were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. The majority of HIV patients were compliant with the prescribed treatment regimen, and most of them showed improvement. Opportunistic cancers were observed in 5 patients [3.4%].Conclusion: Middle-aged adult males engaged in intravenous drug use behavior were the most vulnerable. Strategies to promote early testing, timely linkage to care, and reduce stigma are warranted to curb the epidemic.