Incidence and severity of COVID-19 among HIV positive patients with existing co-morbidities

Background: The extent to which people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and their risk of mortality is not well documented. PLWHA have a distinct profile because of their immune system alterations from chronic HIV infection and their use of antiretroviral therapy, some of which have been investigated for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The situation becomes even worse when the HIV patient has existing comorbidities. Methods: Confirmed disease was defined as any patient with a positive antigen test, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, or serology for SARS-CoV-2. We compared the characteristics of patients with mild disease (asymptomatic included) with those with moderate or severe disease (requiring admission). Results: Older participants were more likely to have comorbidities, with diabetes and hypertension being the most common. It also found that the severity of these comorbidities worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an increase in vaccine uptake among those with pre-existing conditions. Additionally, some participants developed new comorbidities as a result of COVID-19, possibly due to weakened immune systems. Conclusion: Individuals with HIV face an increased risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection because of their weakened immune systems. Those with HIV/AIDS who also have comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension are at an even greater risk.