ENCE PROFILES OF 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/q0kxd748Keywords:
Prevalence profiles, Cryptococcal antigenemia, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome patients, Antiretroviral Therapy ClinicAbstract
Background
Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection with Cryptococcus neoformans a fungus that lives in the environment worldwide. The study aimed to determine the Prevalence profiles of Cryptococcal antigenemia among HIV/AIDS patients attending the Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Masaka District in Uganda
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 Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus meningitis antibodies.
Results
45.54% of the respondents were females and 54.46% were males. The majority (85.0%) of participants were aged 15-44. The prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was 8.91% (9/101). Prevalence amongst females was 15.2% (7/46) and 3.6% (2/55) amongst males. Males accounted for 22% (2/9) and females accounted for 78% (7/9) of the positive cases identified.
Conclusion
The prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was higher in females compared to males among participants aged 15-44 years.
Recommendation
Regular Immune Status Monitoring by implement regular monitoring of CD4 counts to identify patients at higher risk of opportunistic infections and ensure timely intervention.
