Clinical and biological profile of newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients in Casablanca

Background HIV infection continues to be a major global public health issue. UNAIDS estimates that 690 000 HIV-related deaths occurred in 2019. In Morocco The number of people living with HIV was estimated at 21,000 in 2018. HIV prevalence in Morocco remains low (around 0.1%) in the general population. It is much higher among female sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs and migrants. In Casablanca the epidemic is concentrated among MSM. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiologic, clinical and immuno-virological characteristics of people newly diagnosed with HIV infection managed in the Ibn Rochd teaching Hospital of Casablanca. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed including patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection and managed in the infectious diseases department from January 1st, 2017 to June 30, 2018. Data were collected from patient's medical records and were analyzed using SPSS 16. Main outcomes were presented as mean and pourcentages. Results 525 patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection were managed during the 18 months period in the Infectious Diseases Department. The mean age was 36.1 years, with a sex ratio of 1.1. Among them, 43% were single and 61.7% were unemployed. Heterosexual transmission mode represented 65.5% and MSM represented 23%. The seropositivity was discovered through an evocative symptom in 47.8% of all cases. The main clinical symptoms were: weight loss (16.6%) and oral candidiasis (11.2%). The main opportunistic infection was tuberculosis (23%). 36.1% of cases were diagnosed at acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) stage. Medians of the first CD4 count and viral load performed were respectively 248/mm3 and 88 174 copies/ml. Conclusions Despite a good antiretroviral coverage, HIV infection is still diagnosed late in our country. The emphasis must be on the promotion of voluntary testing mainly among groups at high risk of infection. Key messages More active offer of HIV testing, by general practitioners, should play a crucial role in the early identification of HIV infections. Strategies such as use of preexposure prophylaxis should be developed to prevent HIV transmission among MSM.