Should we care about Plasmodium vivax and HIV co-infection? A systematic review and a cases series from the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract Background Malaria and HIV are two important public health issues. However, evidence on HIV- Plasmodium vivax co-infection (HIV/PvCo) is scarce, with most of the available information related to falciparum African continent. It unclear whether can change clinical course malaria increase risk complications. In this study, a systematic review HIV/PvCo studies was performed, recent cases from Brazilian Amazon were included. Methods Medical records tertiary care centre in Western (2009–2018) reviewed identify hospitalized patients. Demographic, laboratory characteristics outcomes reported. Also, published conducted. Metadata, number cases, demographic, clinical, outcome data extracted. Results A total 1,048 patients 10-year period; 21 (2.0%) which 9 (42.9%) had AIDS-defining illnesses. This first episode 11 (52.4%) Seven (33.3%) unaware their status diagnosed hospitalization. Severe 5 (23.8%) One patient died. The search provided 17 articles (12 cross-sectional or longitudinal case report studies). higher prevalence involved Asian countries (35.3 29.4%, respectively), reported co-infections ranged 0.1 60%. Conclusion Reports scarce literature, only few describing outcomes. Systematic screening for both not routinely therefore real unknown. study showed low despite high locally. Even though relatively small, largest series describe HIV/PvCo.