Frequency of positive purified proterin derivative test in those infected with human immunodeficiency virus

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of positive purified protein derivative [PPD] skin test in those infected with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and to investigate its association with CD4-positive T cell count, demographic factors, and possible routes of transmission in Iran. Fifty-one [36 males and 15 females] patients from an HIV clinic were selected and tested by a 5-tuberculin unit PPD. The mean +/- SD age of patients was 32.2 +/- 7.9 years. The probable route of HIV transmission was intravenous drug using in 21 [41%, CI95% 28 - 54%] and sexual transmission in 17 [33%, CI95% 20 - 46%] patients. Thirteen [26%, CI95% 14 - 38%] patients had other risk factors. There were 13 [25%; 10 males and 3 females] PPD-positive patients among HIV-infected patients when a cut-off value of 5 mm was used; there were 15 [29%; 11 males and 4 females] when a cut-off point of 2 mm was employed. In addition, there was no significant correlation between the PPD test using both cut-off values of 5 and 2 mm, and none of the three probable routes of HIV transmission including intravenous drug using, sexual, and others. The mean +/- SD CD4[+] T cell count was 674 +/- 487/mm[3] in men and 573 +/- 327/mm[3] in women [P > 0.05]. No significant correlation could be demonstrated between the patient's PPD positivity rate and CD4[+] T cell count. Considering the high rate of tuberculin reactivity, more attention should be paid to the importance of PPD test and isoniazid preventive therapy against tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients