Retrospective evaluation of HIV/AIDS cases

Human immunodeficiency virus infection remains a critical public health issue despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis supports effective disease management, while late diagnosis impairs treatment outcomes and prognosis. This study retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus infection, focusing on the impact of early versus late diagnosis. A total of 127 treatment-naive patients aged 18 years or older, followed at the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Clinic of Trakya University Medical Faculty between August 01, 2017, and August 01, 2023, were included. Based on CD4 T lymphocyte counts at diagnosis, patients were classified into early diagnosis (>350 cells/mm³) and late diagnosis (≤350 cells/mm³) groups. The late diagnosis group was further divided into subgroup 1 (200–350 cells/mm³) and subgroup 2 (<200 cells/mm³). Among participants, 89% were male, with a median age of 30 years. Late diagnosis was observed in 52% of cases and was associated with older age. Advanced human immunodeficiency virus disease was present in 28.3% of patients. Late-diagnosed individuals exhibited higher rates of comorbidities, opportunistic infections, and symptomatic presentations. They also had lower CD4 T lymphocyte counts and higher viral loads. At six months of treatment the virological response rate was better in the early diagnosis group. In the late diagnosis group, the immunological response remained limited, with higher rates of hospitalization, intensive care need, and mortality. This study highlights the burden of late diagnosis in the Trakya region, emphasizing the need to identify risk factors and implement nationwide screening programs to promote early detection.