Skin Manifestation among HIV Patients and Its Correlation with CD4 Count and WHO Clinical Staging in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Dermatologic problems occur in >90% of patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Several skin diseases have proved to be sensitive and useful indicators of progression of HIV infection. Although these conditions may be seen in general healthy population, their occurrence in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is often atypical, more sever, explosive, extensive or resistant to therapy. Cutaneous manifestations of HIV disease can be seen throughout the course of HIV infection. Among the more common nonneoplastic problems are seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis and opportunistic infections [1]. Problems with the skin are among the main reasons for seeking care, accounting for up to 24% of primary care visits, and are one of the most common causes of morbidity [2]. Transmissible processes, including infections and infestations, make up the majority of skin disease in many Sub-Saharan African countries accounting for 85% of skin disease in Tanzania, 78% in Malawi, 71.5% in Ethiopia and 40.1% in Uganda [3]. However, primary care providers may have difficulty diagnosing and treating other important skin diseases which often need referrals to specialized dermatology centers [4]. Patient infected with HIV are significantly more likely to develop any of 17 of 20 most common infectious or inflammatory skin conditions .HIV infected patients may experience a variety of dermatologic manifestation. Many of these are readily treatable. HIV infected persons have higher than normal frequency of cutaneous and systemic reactions to a variety of medications [5]. The magnitude and the prevalence of the problem are helpful in early detection and management of the problem.HIV infection predisposes patients to a variety of opportunistic infection as well as reactivation of latent infections. Especially those who have progressed to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Skin Disorder and mucosa are among the most common and earliest clinical manifestation of HIV infection [6]. The study done on the socio-demographic distribution of HIV/ AIDS and skin disease in southwest Ethiopia showed that the majority of the patients were from rural area (65.69%) and belonged to a low socioeconomic and educational status. Approximately 30.65% of the patients were housewives, 23.35% drivers, and 16.78% laborers. Most common HIV+ related dermatological manifestations were seborrheic dermatitis (74.16%), xerosis (52.5%), generalized skin Abstract Background: More than 90% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV+) infected patients develop skin lesions at some time throughout the course of the disease. Several skin diseases have proved to be sensitive and useful indicators of progression of HIV+ infection. Although these conditions may be seen in general healthy population, their occurrence in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is often atypical, more severe and explosive.