TB-DOTS Outcome in Relation to HIV Status: Experience in a Medical College

There is scarce information regarding TB associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection treated under routine program conditions in medical colleges of India. This study evaluates the clinical profile and outcome of TB-DOTS treatment by HIV status.

Total two hundred and eighty TB patients registered under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) during January 2011 and December 2012 in a teaching hospital of South India were enrolled in the study. The demographic profile, treatment related data of these patients was obtained from RNTCP treatment card and the DOTS outcome of all enrolled cases depending on their HIV status was evaluated. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test.

Among 280 TB patients enrolled 41 were HIV positive patients and 239 HIV negative. About 21% patients were retreatment patients. Over all, pulmonary TB was still the commonest form of TB among the registered patients. However, Extra Pulmonary (EPTB) was high among HIV positive TB patients. Treatment success among HIV positive TB patients was lower than HIV negative TB patients (61% vs. 79%). Further, 19.5% HIV positive and 8.3% HIV negative patients died. The proportions of defaulters and failures were similar in HIV positive and HIV negative patients.

HIV co-infected TB patients responded poorly to DOTS as evidenced by lower success rates and higher mortality than HIV negative TB patients. A significant proportion of retreatment patients in our study is the matter of concern.