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

Int J Infect Dis. 2021 Jan:102:544-553. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.088. Epub 2020 Nov 3.

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.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa South of the Sahara / epidemiology
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Drug Administration
  • Prevalence
  • Schistosomiasis / complications*
  • Schistosomiasis / epidemiology
  • Schistosomiasis / prevention & control
  • Schistosomiasis / transmission