Impact of HIV-associated immunosuppression on malaria infection and disease in Malawi

Abstract

Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and malaria coexist in much of Africa. Previous studies differ in their findings on the interactions between the 2 infections. Methods. Adults living with HIV infection in Blantyre, Malawi, were enrolled in a longitudinal observational study from September 2002 to August 2004. Malaria blood smears were obtained monthly and for any illness suggestive of malaria. Complete evaluations of all illness episodes were conducted, regardless of malaria smear results. Results. The incidence of clinical malaria episodes was higher in participants with CD4 cell counts <200 cells/mm3 than in those with CD4 cell counts >500 cells/mm3. The trend was p..