Increased Severity and Mortality in Adults Co-Infected with Malaria and HIV in Maputo, Mozambique: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

05 Feb 2014
Aase Berg, Sam Patel, Pal Aukrust, Catarina David, Miguel Gonca, Einar S. Berg, Ingvild Dalen, Nina Langeland

Background

Co-infection with falciparum malaria and HIV-1 increases the severity and mortality of both infections in unstable malaria-transmission areas. In contrast, in stable transmission areas, HIV co-infection increases the severity of both infections but has not been found to influence malaria mortality.

Methods

In a prospective cross-sectional study, clinical and laboratory data were consecutively collected for all adults admitted with fever and/or suspected malaria to the medical department of the Central Hospital of Maputo, Mozambique, during two malaria seasons from January 2011. Malaria and HIV PCRs were performed, and risk factors for fatal outcomes were analysed. The impact of HIV on the clinical presentation and mortality of malaria was assessed.