Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Assessment of the Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV Infection in Togo in 2014

Abstract

Azoumah KD, Agbeko F, Segbedji Kar, Djadou KE, Takassi OE, Fiawoo M, Tchagbele OB, Geraldo A, Agbèrè AD and Atakouma DY

Introduction: Early infant diagnosis (EID) of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on Dry Blood Spot (DBS) has started in Togo since 2009 with difficulties about geographic accessibility and durability of the test. The aim of this study is to analyze the timeframes of implementation and the results of the PCR in Togo. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study from 22 July to 15 August 2014 on PCR registers and application forms in the two reference laboratories in Togo (Lomé and Kara) and on clinical records of exposed children in 26 sites of Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). The analysis focused on the sampling, performance and test results. Results: The number of collected samples increased from 450 in 2011 to 920 in 2013, representing only 13% of the expected PCRs. However, 97% of these samples were sent to laboratories. The average age at PCR samples varied from 3.3 to 8.5 months. The main gateway was PMTCT (99.5%); the majority of children were breastfed (80.8%). The proportion of results returned to parents ranged from 12% to 52% between 2011 and 2013. The average duration between the dates of the sample’s withdrawal and the return of the result to the mother, calculated on clinical record, was 68 days (n=62) but could reach 105.5 days according to the health service providers. The rate of vertical transmission of HIV was 4.5%. Conclusion: The timeframes for the implementation of PCRs are long in Togo. Scaling up and creating an emergency fund will improve the early diagnosis of the child.