ABSTRACT
Background:The recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) pandemic has struck with the pre-existing HIV pandemic. Information about the frequency and seriousness of COVID-19 infection among immuno- compromised HIV patients is still unclear. To our knowledge till date, clinical data about COVID -19 in HIV infected pa- tients are limited with only few case series. Here, we present cases of two HIV patient with COVID-19 infection admitted at Silchar Medical College & Hospital (SMCH), Silchar, south-eastern Assam, India. Methods:This retrospective study was conducted in VRDL, Silchar Medical College, Silchar among COVID -19 positive patient for the duration of three months from 30th March to 29th June 2020. The aim of the study was to evaluate the scenario of HIV reactive cases among COVID-19 positive population. Results:Between 30th March to 29th June 2020, a total of 727 COVID-19 positive cases were diagnosed at VRDL, SMCH. During these three months only two HIV patients were diagnosed with SARS-COV-2 infection. Patient-1 was 20-year old male (unaware of his HIV status) while Patient-2 was 52 year old army personnel (on ART therapy). In patient-2 HIV was well suppressed with sufficiently high CD4 counts. Fortunately, both the patients were asymptomatic and healthy. The mainstay of treatment given for the patients consisted of hydroxychloroquine, multi-vitamins in addition to the ART drugs (only patient 2). Both patients had stable health conditions, did not have any complications during their entire stay in health care facility for COVID-19. Both were treated and were tested negative by RTPCR within 14-15 days like any other general patient. Conclusions:Although, HIV patients are considered as immunocompromised, but our experience suggests that well con- trolled HIV patients with COVID-19 may have satisfactory prognosis following proper medical care. Further, enlarged cohort studies are needed to better understand risk and clinical course of COVID-19 among HIV-infected people.