Tuberculosis in HIV co-infected patients- a study at tertiary care hospital, Amritsar (India).

ABSTRACT

Background: The dual epidemic of tuberculosis and HIV is a significant problem in the developed and developing countries. Tuberculosis is the most common human immunodeficiency virus related opportunistic infection in India and caring for patients with both diseases is a major public health challenge. Aim: The aim of the present study was to record the different clinical patterns of tuberculosis in HIV co-infected patients as a function of CD4+T cell count. Material and Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of the HIV-TB co-infected patients admitted in the Chest and TB Hospital, Government Medical College, Amritsar (Punjab) during the calender year 2011. Results: Out of total 47 HIV sero-positive patients (n=47), 36 were males (76.59%) and 11 females (23.41%) of age group 14 to 51 years. Cough was the most common presenting symptom (72.34%).A large number of patients were diagnosed as having pulmonary tuberculosis (48.94%). The other diagnoses were tubercular meningitis (n=4), pleural effusion (n=4), tubercular lymphadenopathy (n=2), pneumothorax (n=2), hydropneumothorax (n=2) and abdominal tuberculosis (n=2). A total of 34 (72.34%) patients were having a CD4+T cell count of < 200. Conclusion: The manifestations of tuberculosis in HIV infected patients are quite varied and generally show a different pattern as a function of CD4+ T cell count. Co-infection with HIV infection leads to difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. High degree of suspicion of tuberculosis, with astute clinical and laboratory evaluation is the key for early diagnosis and management.