Lupus mimics HIV symptoms and risks kidney failure if untreated – KNUST expert
Lupus can cause HIV-like signs and kidney damage in Ghana, warns KNUST rheumatology chief. Early diagnosis critical to prevent irreversible harm.
KNUST rheumatology specialist Professor Elliot Kuranto Tannor has warned that lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune condition, often presents with symptoms resembling HIV, especially among Ghanaian women, and can cause irreversible kidney damage if left untreated. At Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), cases of lupus-related kidney disease have risen sharply over the past decade, with many patients only seeking medical help after significant organ damage has occurred. Professor Tannor explained that lupus occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, affecting vital organs including the kidneys, heart, lungs and joints. Early signs such as persistent joint pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, hair loss and anaemia are frequently misdiagnosed as HIV or other infections, delaying proper treatment.
One 28-year-old nurse, Patience Appau Owusu, has lived with lupus-induced chronic kidney disease for four years. She described severe daily struggles including swelling of her feet and face, difficulty breathing, and extreme temperature fluctuations that disrupt her sleep. “The sickness has left me dependent on others for basic tasks,” she shared with the Daily Graphic. KATH doctors emphasize that lupus is not contagious but requires early medical intervention to manage symptoms and prevent kidney failure through therapies like immunosuppressants. Professor Tannor stressed that prompt diagnosis and consistent treatment are crucial, as untreated lupus can lead to end-stage kidney disease, forcing patients onto dialysis or transplantation waiting lists.
Kumasi-based health stakeholders are urging increased public awareness and routine health checks for lupus, particularly among women of childbearing age. Diagnostic blood tests and urine analyses are recommended to distinguish lupus from HIV and other autoimmune disorders before organ damage sets in. KNUST researchers also advocate for community-level education to combat stigma around autoimmune conditions, which remains a barrier to early care in Ghanaian communities.
