Latent tuberculosis infection in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus infection: comparison of tuberculin skin test to the anti TB-IgM antibodies

To determine Latent Tuberculosis Infection [LTBI] prevalence and compare TST results to the anti TB-IgM anti bodies [ATIA] for the diagnosis of LTBI in HIV infected individuals. Sixty two randomized sampled HIV infected subjects from an addict treatment center in Ahvaz southwest Iran underwent TST, using 5 TU of purified protein derivative, and measuring ATIA. Data were analyzed in SPSS [version 16, USA]. Of 62 participants, 34 [54.8%] had positive result for TST, whereas 6 [9.7%] had positive ATIA. Overall concordance between TST and ATIA was 45.2% [Kappa= 0.37, p = 0.32]. In subjects with positive test results by either TST or ATIA, only 4.8% had positive test results by both tests. Discordant results were found in 54.8% of subjects. Positive results for both tests in subjects categorized in two groups [above and below 200 CD4-cell/mm3] had no significant difference [P>0.05]. LTBI prevalence among HIV infected individuals in studied area is higher than other parts of the world. TST is a useful test for LTBI diagnosis and prefer to ATIA. Concordance between TST and ATIA is low

pelvic hydatid cyst presenting with lower limb edema

Hydatid disease is an infection caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus in humans, which are carried as tapeworms by canines. The most frequent organs affected in humans are liver and lungs. We presented a case of pelvic hydatic cyst which is a rare occurrence. There was a 75 years old man with a history of admission for left lower limb edema suspected to DVT. The patient was suffering from generalized abdominal pains especially in LLQ. On pelvic ultrasound and CT scan, a cystic mass with internal septation on the left side of pelvis was reported. After surgery, pathology report of removed cyst confirmed the hydatid cyst. In endemic regions, in patients complaining of lower limb edema and suspected to have DVT, pelvic mass lesions such as hydatic cyst should be born in mind