@article{24628,
  keywords = {leprosy, HIV, Brazil, Treatment},
  author = {Menezas V M and Nery J A and Sales A M and Miranda A and Galhardo M C and Bastos F I and Sarno E and Hacker M},
  title = {Epidemiological and clinical patterns of 92 patients co-infected with HIV and Mycobacterium leprae from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil },
  abstract = {Background Many articles have shown that HIV infection can modify the clinical course of leprosy, but very scant epidemiological and clinical data about this co-infection are available in the peer-reviewed literature. 
Methods We herein describe the geographical distribution and demographic characteristics of 92 HIV/Mycobacterium leprae co-infected patients assisted in a Brazilian Leprosy referral center. A multivariate analysis was performed in order to establish clinical factors associated with type 1 reaction. 
Results Co-infected patient admissions have steadily increased over the last years at this referral center. Most patients were men, with a mean age of 32.3 years and presenting with the paucibacillary form of leprosy. The use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was the only factor associated with type 1 reaction. Most patients were living in the metropolitan area and the north sub area of Rio de Janeiro City. 
Conclusion Co-infected patients receiving ART have a greater chance to develop type 1 reaction. Patients living with both HIV and leprosy are likely to live in regions characterized by a high density impoverished population.
 },
  year = {2013},
  journal = {Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene},
  language = {eng},
}