No association between increasing anti-schistosome specific antibody titers and increased HIV risk among a cohort of Zambian women Open Access
Humphrey, Jamie (Spring 2023)
Abstract
Introduction. Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) has been suggested to be a risk factor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among women. Women who are coinfected with FGS and HIV may also experience a faster progression of their HIV disease, leading to an earlier onset of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), AIDS related illnesses, and death. Since schistosomiasis infection and FGS are common and associated with HIV, it is critical to understand the relationship between anti-schistosome specific antibody levels and HIV risk.
Methods. Data and samples were collected from a longitudinal cohort study that followed heterosexual couples with discordant HIV status between 1994 and 2009 in Lusaka, Zambia. Descriptive statistics and baseline characteristics are presented and stratified by HIV status and schistosomiasis ELISA antibody status. Differences between groups were evaluated using Chi-square and t-tests. Cox survival models were used to calculate associations between anti-schistosome specific antibody levels and HIV transmission and acquisition by women. Baseline characteristics were considered as potential confounders.
Results. Among HIV+ women, the hazard of HIV transmission among high-anti-schistosome specific antibody positive women was 1.67 times that of those who were anti-schistosome specific antibody negative at baseline, and the hazard of HIV transmission among low-anti-schistosome specific antibody positive women was 1.75 times that of those who were anti-schistosome specific antibody negative at baseline after adjusting for covariates. No statistically significant associations were found between anti-schistosome specific antibody status and HIV acquisition among HIV- women.
Discussion. Our results reveal a high prevalence of schistosomiasis haematobium infection in the population under investigation. Although our findings suggest that the presence of anti-schistosome specific antibodies increases the hazard of HIV transmission by women, these findings do not support a dose response relationship between anti-schistosome specific antibody status of women and HIV transmission to male partners. Those who test positive for schistosome-specific antibodies and their partners should be a targeted population to screen for HIV, however, a higher level of schistosome specific antibodies should not be used as an indicator for a higher risk of acquisition or transmission of HIV.
Table of Contents
Introduction. 6
Methods. 7
Study Participants. 7
Measures and Procedures. 7
Schistosomiasis Antibodies. 8
HIV transmission. 8
HIV acquisition. 8
Statistical analysis. 9
Results. 9
Discussion. 10
Tables and Figures. 13
References. 15
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No association between increasing anti-schistosome specific antibody titers and increased HIV risk among a cohort of Zambian women () | 2023-04-18 09:29:44 -0400 |
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