# Case report: The first case of Mpox in a patient with HIV in Burundi

## TL;DR

This case report documents the first confirmed case of Mpox in an HIV-positive patient in Burundi during the 2024 outbreak.

## Contribution

It highlights the first documented co-infection of Mpox and HIV in Burundi and emphasizes the need for early HIV screening in Mpox patients.

## Key findings

- The patient presented with severe Mpox symptoms exacerbated by advanced HIV.
- Secondary bacterial infections and prolonged healing were observed.
- The case underscores the importance of early HIV screening in Mpox patients.

## Abstract

Mpox is a viral disease that primarily affects individuals living in endemic regions. The 2022 outbreak notably impacted HIV-positive individuals, who were disproportionately affected. This report describes the first confirmed case of Mpox in Burundi, involving an HIV-positive patient with advanced disease. The case was confirmed by the national laboratory during the early stages of the 2024 outbreak.

A 50-year-old woman presented with pustular and necrotic skin lesions, vulval ulcers, and systemic symptoms. She was diagnosed with HIV upon initial evaluation and, despite an initial misdiagnosis, was ultimately confirmed to have a co-infection of Mpox. Complications included secondary bacterial infection, severe pain, and prolonged healing.

HIV coinfection can exacerbate Mpox, leading to severe clinical presentations. Therefore, early recognition and screening for HIV in Mpox patients are essential.