Human Immunodeficiency Virus in patients with lymphoma in Jos North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have increased risk of developing malignancies including lymphoma despite adequate antiretroviral therapy. The study was conducted with the aim of determining the proportion of adults with HIV-associated lymphoma in Jos, Nigeria.

Methods: Consecutive consenting adults diagnosed with lymphoma attending the Haematology clinics of Jos and Bingham University Teaching Hospitals in Jos between February, 2016 and December, 2017had their blood samples screened and confirmed for HIV after completing a questionnaire.

Results: Sixty (60) patients which comprised of 37 (61.7%) males and 23 (38.3%) females with lymphoma aged between 18 and 75 years participated. Nine (15.0%) of them were positive for HIV, which comprised of 8 (13.3%) Non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) and 1 (1.7%) Hodgkins lymphoma (p = 0.074).

Conclusion: The study has demonstrated a high prevalence of HIV infection in patients with lymphoma in Jos.

Keywords: Lymphoma, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Jos