HIV and COVID-19: juxtaposition of two pandemics

Pre-existing immunity to SARS-CoV-2 before the COVID-19 pandemic era in Cameroon: A comparative analysis according to HIV-status

“…With respect to HIV-status, we observed here a similar distribution of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies between HIV-infected and uninfected participants. This observation is in line with several studies conducted early in the pandemic, indicating that the clinical presentation of COVID-19 is similar in people with and without HIV, particularly if they are on ART and have achieved HIV viral suppression ( 13 , 27 – 29 ). However, among sera of HIV-infected participants, high CD4 counts, virological control (>40copies/mL) and ART duration, seemed individually associated to the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies; suggesting that people with a highly compromised immune system, an uncontrolled viral replication and/or the absence of an effective ART-regimen stand a high risk of not controlling SARS-CoV-2 replication or developing severe symptoms of COVID-19 ( 13 ).…”

“…This observation is in line with several studies conducted early in the pandemic, indicating that the clinical presentation of COVID-19 is similar in people with and without HIV, particularly if they are on ART and have achieved HIV viral suppression ( 13 , 27 – 29 ). However, among sera of HIV-infected participants, high CD4 counts, virological control (>40copies/mL) and ART duration, seemed individually associated to the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies; suggesting that people with a highly compromised immune system, an uncontrolled viral replication and/or the absence of an effective ART-regimen stand a high risk of not controlling SARS-CoV-2 replication or developing severe symptoms of COVID-19 ( 13 ). This observation therefore suggests that a closer monitoring of HIV/SARS-CoV-2 co-infection would be beneficial in order to preserve the benefits of vaccine-induced immunogenicity in this key population.…”

“…The potential low circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa may be justified by the existence of specific pre-pandemic antibodies, responsible for cross-immunity during the pandemic ( 8 ). Furthermore, with the emergence in 2019 of SARS-CoV-2, the world now has to face two pandemics: COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS ( 13 ). As COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause much uncertainty around the world, and especially among people living with and affected by HIV (>67% of whom residing in sub-Saharan Africa), understanding its extent as well as the determinants of induced immunogenicity is crucial to frame the response strategy within national programs and better prepare for future pandemics.…”

A Rare Case of AIDS Co-infected with COVID-19 Presenting with Disseminated Herpes Zoster Complicated with CMV and Varicella Zoster Virus Meningoencephalitis

“…Studies show the COVID-19 incidence in HIV carriers is found to be equal to that in the general population, but the severity of COVID-19 likely increases with lower CD4 levels [7]. Some other studies demonstrate that HIV carriers have an increased risk of dying from COVID-19 or related complications [3]. Reasons for their increased risk of poor clinical outcomes in HIV and SARS-CoV2 co-infected patients include a weakened immune system, presence of several co-infections, and side effects of ART drugs [8].…”

“…HIV/AIDS continues to be a pandemic and the continuity of both HIV and COVID-19 pandemics has taken a serious toll on global public health [2]. Several studies also demonstrate that people living with HIV have an increased risk of dying from COVID-19 or related complications [3].…”