Immunovirological and Biochemical Evaluation of HIV-1-Infected Adolescents and Young People Aged 15 to 24 under Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) at the Center of Psycho-Medico-Social Support in N’Djamena—Chad

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a major public health problem. Sub-Saharan Africa bears a heavy burden, with over 25.6 million people infected, and Chad is one of the countries most affected by HIV-1. Among infected adolescents and young people, biological monitoring is essential in the management of HIV infection. Objective: to contribute to improving the management of adolescents and young people aged 15 - 24 undergoing antiretroviral treatment. Methodology: we carried out the study at the Psycho Médico-Social Support Center in N’Djamena, prospective and cross-sectional from April 2019 to December 2020. The study population consisted of all adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24 infected with HIV-1 and put on antiretroviral treatment. Data collection was based on an interview using a series of questionnaires on a collection form. CD4 T-cell counts were determined by flow cytometry (PIMATM), viral load by molecular biology (ABBOTT m2000 Real Time HIV-1) and biochemical assays by spectrophotometer (Stardust MC15Diasys). Results: The most represented age group was between 20 and 24 years (78.1%). The sex ratio was 0.16 men to women. In the study population, 59.6% of patients were on Viraday and 50% on Duovir-N were immunocompetent with TCD4 > 500 cells/μl and 6.4% and 12.5% of patients were severely immunosuppressed (TCD4 < 200 cells/μl). More than the majority of patients (51.9%) on viraday and 45.4% on Duovir-N had an undetectable plasma viral load, 29.6% and 36.4% of patients had a detectable plasma viral load of >1000 copies/ml. Biochemical tests (ALT, ASAT, creatinine and blood glucose) were normal. Conclusion: This study shows that triple antiretroviral therapy on infection leads to an improvement in the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLHIV).