Perfil clínico e epidemiológico de pacientes coinfectados com HIV e leishmaniose visceral frente a utilização de profilaxia secundária com anfotericina B lipossomal em um hospital universitário

Abstract

The study addresses co-infection by HIV and visceral leishmaniasis (VL), endemic diseases in Brazil. HIV compromises the immune system, facilitating the progression of VL, an opportunistic infection with a high lethality rate. Liposomal amphotericin B is recommended as prophylaxis for co-infected patients due to its efficacy. This is a descriptive, retrospective epidemiological study carried out at a University Hospital in Araguaína, Tocantins. It included patients with HIV/LV co-infection, on prophylaxis with liposomal amphotericin B. Clinical, sociodemographic and laboratory data were collected from 30 patients. Statistical analysis used Student's t-test. The majority of patients were male (66.6%), with a predominant age of 41-60 years. Browns were predominant (93.3%) and half had incomplete primary education. The tests showed a significant improvement after prophylaxis. However, 70% had low CD4+ cell counts. Despite the favorable clinical outcome in 96.6% of cases, the risk of recurrence remains high due to immunosuppression. Prophylaxis with liposomal amphotericin B has proved effective, but faces challenges such as high cost and restricted access. Co-infection mainly affects vulnerable populations, requiring continuous monitoring and improvements in treatment protocols.