Background:
COVID-19 has spread globally with remarkable speed, and currently,
there is limited data available exploring any aspect of the intersection between HIV and SARSCoV-
2 co-infection.
Objective:
To estimate the prevalence of clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19 among
people living with HIV (PLWH) in Tehran, Iran.
Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Methods:
A total of 200 PLWH were recruited through the positive club via sampling, and completed
the symptom-based questionnaire for COVID-19, which was delivered by trained peers.
Results:
Of 200 participants, respiratory symptoms, including cough, sputum, and shortness of
breath, were the most prevalent among participants, but only one person developed symptoms collectively
suggested COVID-19 and sought treatments.
Conclusions:
It appears that existing infection with HIV or receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART)
might reduce the susceptibility to the infection with SARS-CoV-2 or decrease the severity of the
infection acquired. Further research is needed to understand causal mechanisms.