Presentation of tuberculosis in TB-HIV co-infection patients and the treatment outcome with directly observed short course therapy

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate different presentations of tuberculosis in HIV positive patients and their treatment outcome with directly observed short course therapy (DOTS). Methods: All patients having tuberculosis-HIV (TB-HIV) co-infection were taken. Different manifestations of tuberculosis in HIV positive patients were analyzed. Outcome of the treatment was observed in 14 patients. The rest of the patients were either transferred to other districts or still continuing their DOTS therapy according to the revised national tuberculosis control programme (RNTCP). Results:A total of 901 patients were diagnosed as tuberculosis. Out of these, 227 had positive pulmonary tuberculosis smear, 212 had negative smear and 462 had extra pulmonary tuberculosis. A total of 65 patients suffered from TB-HIV co-infection (7%). Result showed that the incidence of TB-HIV coinfection was the highest in productive age group of 16-45 years old (75%). Treatment completion rate was only 57%and the rate was higher in extra pulmonary tuberculosis patients (83%). Out of 4 sputum positive cases, 3 were declared cured (75%). Conclusions:TB-HIV co-infection in wardha (Cental India) is around 7%. Pattern of tuberculosis in HIV positive patient is the same as in HIV negative patient. Pattern of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV positive patients is mainly in form of tubercular lymphadenitis and pleural effusion. DOTS is the best modality of treatment of tuberculosis.