Prevalence and clinical characteristics of individuals presenting with AIDS and late HIV diagnosis in Egypt

BackgroundEgypt has fastest-growing HIV rate in the Middle East and North Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of late diagnosis (LD) and examine the associated epidemiological and clinical characteristics in a cohort of Egyptian individuals living with HIV.MethodsA cross sectional study included newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLHIV) who presented to the Cairo University HIV Clinic between September 2022 and May 2023. People with a CD4 + cell count <350 cells/µL or an AIDS-defining event were classified as Late disease (LD), while those who presented with a CD4 + cell count <200 cells/µL or an AIDS-defining event were classified as LD with advanced HIV disease (LDAD). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study population. Chi-square test and independent t-test were employed to compare categorical and continuous variables between groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with late diagnosis. Statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05.ResultsOut of 402 newly diagnosed individuals, 65 (16.2%) had LDAD and 172 (42.8%) had LD. The mean age of LD patients was 36.8 ± 10.5 years, and 82.6% were male. The majority (57.4%) had a viral load more than 10,000-100,000 copies/ml. AIDS-related conditions were observed in 52 patients (30.2%), with wasting syndrome (27%), lymphoma (19%), recurrent bacterial infections (19%), and tuberculosis (15%), being the most common..ConclusionThe high prevalence of LD among newly diagnosed PLHIV emphasizes the need for interventions for early HIV testing, and enhancing prevention programs to facilitate early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment.