Prevalence of opportunistic fungal infections (candidiasis and cryptococcal meningitis) among HIV-positive individuals in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA compliant)
Abstract
Background: Individuals with compromised immune systems, particularly those living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), face an elevated risk of opportunistic fungal infections (OFIs), including candidiasis and cryptococcal meningitis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of OFIs among HIV-positive individuals across different regions of Ethiopia.
Methods: English-language articles were identified through a comprehensive search of online databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies was used to assess study quality. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using inverse variance (I2 statistic), sensitivity analysis, funnel plots, and Egger's regression test. Due to significant heterogeneity, a random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of OFIs among HIV-positive individuals. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, and the protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42024620835).
Results: From 254 initially identified articles, 19 studies on Candida (8482 participants) and 9 studies on Cryptococcus (4017 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of candidiasis was 13.46% (95% confidence interval:…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 8,482 participants or records.
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