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Meta-Analysis
. 2021 Jan:102:544-553.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.088. Epub 2020 Nov 3.

Association of schistosomiasis and HIV infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Pragna Patel  1 , Charles E Rose  2 , Eyrun F Kjetland  3 , Jennifer A Downs  4 , Pamela Sabina Mbabazi  5 , Keith Sabin  6 , Wairimu Chege  7 , D Heather Watts  8 , W Evan Secor  9
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Association of schistosomiasis and HIV infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Pragna Patel et al. Int J Infect Dis. 2021 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) affects up to 56 million women in sub-Saharan Africa and may increase risk of HIV infection.

Methods: To assess the association of schistosomiasis with HIV infection, peer-reviewed literature published until 31 December 2018 was examined and a pooled estimate for the odds ratio was generated using Bayesian random effects models.

Results: Of the 364 abstracts that were identified, 26 were included in the summary. Eight reported odds ratios of the association between schistosomiasis and HIV; one reported a transmission hazard ratio of 1.8 (95% CI, 1.2-2.6) among women and 1.4 (95% CI, 1.0-1.9) among men; 11 described the prevalence of schistosomiasis among HIV-positive people (range, 1.5-36.6%); and six reported the prevalence of HIV among people with schistosomiasis (range, 5.8-57.3%). Six studies were selected for quantitative analysis. The pooled estimate for the odds ratio of HIV among people with schistosomiasis was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.2-4.3).

Conclusions: A significant association of schistosomiasis with HIV was found. However, a specific summary estimate for FGS could not be generated. A research agenda was provided to determine the effect of FGS on HIV infection. The WHO's policy on mass drug administration for schistosomiasis may prevent HIV.

Keywords: Association; HIV; Schistosomiasis; Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest

None.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Intra-vaginal lesions caused by female genital schistosomiasis. Images by Elisabeth Kleppa, Eyrun Kjetland, Hashini Galappaththi-Arachchige, and Bodo Randrianasolo.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Selection of studies regarding schistosomiasis and HIV.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Pooled estimate of odds of HIV infection among women with Schistosoma haematobium or Schistosoma mansoni using data from six studies in sub-Saharan Africa.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
District mapping of HIV incidence among young women (15–24 years) and Schistosoma haematobium prevalence in Malawi.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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