Human immunodeficiency virus and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) constitute a vulnerable population in view of their impaired immune status. At this time, the full interaction between HIV and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been incompletely described. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection on mortality. Method: We systematically searched PubMed and the Europe PMC databases up to 19 January 2021, using specific keywords related to our aims. All published articles on coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19) and HIV were retrieved. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager version 5.4 and Comprehensive MetaAnalysis version 3 software. Results: A total of 28 studies including 18 255 040 COVID-19 patients were assessed in this meta-analysis. Overall, HIV was associated with a higher mortality from COVID-19 on random-effects modelling {odds ratio [OR] = 1.19 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.39], p = 0.03; p = 72%}. Meta-regression confirmed that this association was not influenced by age (p = 0.208), CD4 cell count (p = 0.353) or the presence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (p = 0.647). Further subgroup analysis indicated that the association was only statistically significant in studies from Africa (OR = 1.13, p = 0.004) and the United States (OR = 1.30, p = 0.006). Conclusion: Whilst all persons ought to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, PLWH should be prioritised to minimise the risk of death because of COVID-19. The presence of HIV should be regarded as an important risk factor for future risk stratification of COVID-19.

Automated summary

In this meta-analysis, a total of 28 studies with 18,255,040 COVID-19 patients were assessed. Overall, HIV was associated with a higher mortality from COVID-19. Studies from Africa and the United States showed statistically significant associations. The findings suggest that PLWH should be prioritized for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to minimize the risk of death.