Trends in CD4 and viral load testing 2005 to 2018: multi-cohort study of people living with HIV in Southern Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a CD4 cell count before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) to detect advanced HIV disease, and routine viral load (VL) testing following ART initiation to detect treatment failure. Donor support for CD4 testing has declined to prioritize access to VL monitoring. We examined trends in CD4 and VL testing among adults (≥15 years of age) starting ART in Southern Africa.

Methods

We analysed data from 14 HIV treatment programmes in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe in 2005 to 2018. We examined the frequency of CD4 and VL testing, the percentage of adults with CD4 or VL tests, and among those having a test, the percentage starting ART with advanced HIV disease (CD4 count <200 cells/mm^3<

SUBMITTER: Zaniewski E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7343336 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature