LAUSR

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 amongst People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Western India. Out of 86 PLHIV with COVID-19 illness, 19.7% had severe/critical illness and 6 (6.9%) individuals died. Median (IQR) age was 51 (47-56) years and 77.6% were male. Eighty-five PLHIV were on antiretroviral treatment with 98% having a Viral load < 200 copies/ml. Hypertension (38.3%) and Diabetes mellitus (17.4%) were commonest co-morbidities. Fifty-eight percent PLHIV were hospitalized while 6.9% individuals needed Intensive care. Presence of medical co-morbidity was significantly associated with severe/critical COVID-19, while Hypertension was significantly associated with mortality. Recovery from COVID-19 was documented in 93% PLHIV. In conclusion, PLHIV in Western India have similar COVID-19 clinical outcomes as compared to that reported historically amongst general population. Presence of medical co-morbidities rather than HIV related disease characteristics are associated with severe COVID-19 illness.