Risk factors influencing Cryptococcal antigenemia among HIV/AIDS patients attending Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at Masaka regional referral hospital, Masaka District in Uganda. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/m7t0cc17Keywords:
Cryptococcal antigenemia, Risk factors, HIV/AIDS patients, Antiretroviral Therapy ClinicAbstract
Background:
Globally, by far the most common presentation of the cryptococcosis is cryptococcal meningitis. The aim of the study is to assess the risk factors influencing Cryptococcal antigenemia among HIV/AIDS patients attending the Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at Masaka regional referral hospital, Masaka District.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study included HIV-positive patients receiving ART who attended the HIV/AIDS clinics at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital – ART Clinic. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus meningitidis antibodies.
Results:
A CD4 count of fewer than 100 cells per microliter emerged as a significant predictor of cryptococcal antigenemia, with a P value of 0.04 at a 95% confidence level. The analysis revealed that poor adherence to ART is a strong predictor of cryptococcal antigenemia, with a P value of 0.013. The regression analysis indicated that a prior history of infections does not significantly predict cryptococcal antigenemia, with a P value of 0.528. The impact of environmental conditions on cryptococcal antigenemia showed a P value of 0.211. Malnutrition is not a strong predictor of cryptococcal antigenemia, with a P value of 0.134. Advanced age was also identified as a weaker predictor, with a P value of 0.585.
Conclusion:
The strong predictors of cryptococcal antigenemia were low CD4 Counts and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy.
Recommendation:
More studies should be conducted to assess the strong predictors of cryptococcal antigenemia to facilitate in creating awareness and sensitization programs.
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