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HIV and TB Co-infection.
S Bhagyabati Devi, Santa Naorem, T Jeetenkumar Singh, Ksh Birendra Singh,
Lallan Prasad and Th Shanti Devi.
JIACM 2005; 6(3): 220-3.
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection is emerging as a serious threat globally. This study was done in Manipur, which has the highest HIV seropositivity rate in India, in an attempt to document the
vulnerability of the HIV infected persons to tuberculosis in this State.
Methods
100 HIV positive patients of 30.27 ± 5.5 years of age and 100 HIV negative patients of 31.13 ± 8.54 years of age who willingly consented to participate in the study were selected after proper counselling. Confirmation of HIV status was done according to NACO guidelines, and diagnosis of TB as per the RNTCP guidelines. Their mode of clinical presentation, site of TB, CD4 cell count,etc., were studied.
Results
TB was found in 55% of HIV infected patients compared to 25% in seronegative patients, which was significant statistically (p < 0.001). Combined pulmonary and extrapulmonary form of TB were significantly more common in HIV seropositive patients (p < 0.02) in whom the CD4 cell count was also low (less than 100/cmm).
Interpretation and conclusion
The result of this study showed the increased vulnerability of the HIV infected persons to TB infection
as seen in other studies in India and abroad. Disseminated TB with lower CD4 cell count is also shown. Further strengthening of the joint action plan on HIV and TB is suggested.
