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Association Between Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Cerebral Malaria in Children Below 12 Years Attending Mulago Hospital, Uganda: A Case-Control Study

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Malaria and HIV are important paediatric problems in sub-Saharan Africa. There is hardly any data on association between HIV infection and childhood cerebral malaria Objective: To determine the association between HIV infection and cerebral malaria in children below 12 years attending Mulago hospital. Methods: In this unmatched case control study, 352 children were enrolled, 100 with cerebral malaria, 132 with uncomplicated malaria and 120 had no malaria Results: The overall prevalence of HIV infection among the 352 children was 4.3%. The prevalence of HIV infection in cerebral malaria was 9% compared to 2.3% in those with uncomplicated malaria (OR 4.3 [95% CI = 1.1–16.1] p = 0.022); and 2.5% in children with no malaria (OR 3.9 [95% CI = 1.0–14.7] p = 0.035). Overall, the prevalence of HIV infection in cerebral malaria was 9.0% compared to 2.4% in the two control groups with an odds ratio of 4.1 (p = 0.006; 95% CI = 1.4–11.7). After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk for cerebral malaria in the HIV positive children was 5.7 (95% CI 1.7–19.4) times more than in those who tested HIV-negative. Conclusion: HIV infection was significantly associated with cerebral malaria in children admitted to Mulago Hospital and the prevalence of HIV infection among those with cerebral malaria was 9%. Recommendation: Malaria prevention should be an important component of education and counselling of HIV infected children and their caretakers. A large study is recommended to establish whether there is a correlation between the level of HIV immunosuppression and cerebral malaria.

Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2008.05.1357

Authors: P.D. Imani, J.K. Tumwine, P. Musoke, J. Byarugaba

Institution: Makerere University

Language: English

Topic: Malaria Research and Control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,900