Keywords
urinary tract infections
HIV/SIDA
viral load
Ituri
How to Cite
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among people living with HIV (PLHIV), as well as to identify the sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors associated with these infections. In addition, it seeks to improve the biological management of these patients. Conducted at the Hôpital Général de Référence de Bunia, the study covered the period from January 30 to February 16, 2025. An exhaustive sample of 137 PLHIV was recruited, from whom urine samples were collected to detect the presence of UTIs, as well as blood samples to measure CD4 count and viral load. Data were collected using the KoboCollect software, extracted into Excel 2016, and subsequently transferred to STATA version 17.0. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with urinary tract infections among PLHIV and to assess the strength of association for each factor (adjusted OR). Descriptive analysis of the PLHIV revealed that a very large majority (97.8%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy, predominantly the TLD (Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir) regimen. Clinically, nearly 90% presented with leukocyturia, and more than 64% had an undetectable viral load. Bivariate analyses highlighted several significant associations: PLHIV aged 30 to 44 years accounted for more than half of UTI cases (54.4%). Patients aged 60 years and above were considerably more affected by these infections (15.8% versus 1.3%). Among patients with a detectable viral load below 1000 copies, a higher prevalence was observed in the group with UTIs (31.6% versus 15%). Multivariate analyses confirmed certain independent risk factors: a viral load greater than 1000 copies significantly increased the risk of UTIs (OR = 5.47; 95% CI [2.07–14.49]; p = 0.001). A non-standard diagnostic method was also associated with an increased risk of UTIs (OR = 4.20; 95% CI [2.30–7.67]; p < 0.001).
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