HIV status significantly influences surgical mortality risk during COVID-19

A study in Johannesburg revealed that 25% of surgical mortalities during the COVID-19 pandemic tested positive for the virus, with a notable prevalence among HIV-positive patients. It found that smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and hypertension markedly increased the odds of COVID-19 infection in surgical patients. Additionally, 55% of COVID-19-positive deaths were among HIV-positive individuals, particularly those not on antiretroviral treatment, highlighting significant preventability opportunities in this population.