ĐẶC ĐIỂM LÂM SÀNG VÀ MIỄN DỊCH Ở NGƯỜI BỆNH NHIỄM HIV CHƯA ĐIỀU TRỊ ARV TẠI VIỆT NAM (2019-2023)

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and immunological characteristics of antiretroviral therapy–naive HIV-infected patients in selected provinces of Northern and Central Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among HIV-infected individuals aged 16 years and older who had been newly diagnosed and had not initiated ART. Data were collected from 11 healthcare facilities across 7 provinces/cities between December 2019 and March 2023. Results: A total of 2,026 patients were included. The majority were male (80.68%), and 57.65% were under 35 years of age. The most common mode of transmission was male-to-male sexual contact (43.12%). Late clinical stage at diagnosis was observed in 30.76% of patients, with the most common opportunistic infections being oral/esophageal candidiasis (19.94%), tuberculosis (13.45%), and systemic fungal infections (3.4%). Severe immunosuppression (CD4 < 200 cells/mm³) was found in 30.14% of participants. Conclusion: The epidemiological, clinical, and immunological profiles of ART-naive HIV-infected patients have shown notable changes, particularly with an increasing proportion of transmission through male-to-male sexual contact. Although earlier diagnosis has improved in recent years, a substantial proportion of patients are still identified and treated at late stages, when opportunistic infections and severe immunosuppression are already present.