Jennifer van Heerden, Irina Mbanze, Elizabeth Louw, Olukayode Aremu, Anastase Dzudie, Ana Mocumbi, Threnesan Naidoo, Brian Allwood, Friedrich Thienemann
University of Oxford. Maputo Central Hospital. University of Cape Town. University of Stellenbosch. Douala General Hospital. Universidade Eduardo Mondlane. Walter Sisulu University. University of Zurich.
United Kingdom, Mozambique, South Africa, Cameroon and Switzerland
Infectious Disease Reports
Infect Dis Rep 2025; 17:
DOI: 10.3390/idr17050109
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) disproportionately affects those residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Given that these countries also have a high prevalence of infectious diseases, many cases of PH are either directly or indirectly related to infectious etiologies. Despite this correlation, the precise burden of infectious disease-associated PH is largely underappreciated due to a lack of diagnostic resources, a shortage of clinical expertise to carry out right heart catheterization and poor access to healthcare facilities in many low- and middle-income settings.
Methods: In this narrative review, we highlight the significant burden of infectious disease-associated PH in LMICs, outline the technical challenges faced by LMICs when diagnosing PH, and propose possible solutions for diagnosing PH in resource-constrained settings.
Conclusions: Low-cost and sustainable solutions for infectious disease-associated PH in LMICs should be prioritized. Meaningful solutions require collaborative efforts and capacity building in LMICs.
Category
Class I. Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Infection
Review Articles Concerning Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease or Adult Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes