The role of HIV in the household introduction and transmission of influenza in an Urban Slum, Nairobi, Kenya, 2008-2011

Abstract

Background: Little is known about how human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection affects influenza transmission within homes in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We used respiratory illness surveillance and HIV testing data gathered in Kibera, an urban slum in Nairobi, Kenya, to examine the impact of HIV status on (1) introducing influenza to the home and (2) transmitting influenza to household contacts. Results: While HIV status did not affect the likelihood of being an influenza index case, household contacts of HIV-infected influenza index cases had twice the risk of developing secondary influenza-like illness than contacts of HIV-negative index cases. Conclusions: HIV-infected influenza index cases may facilitate transmission of influenza within the home.