HIV AND TUBERCULOSIS CO-INFECTION IN A REFERRAL CHEST HOSPITAL

V K Kataria1, D Rosha2, K K Maudar3

  • 1Classified Specialist in Pathology (Microbiology), Military Hospital, Namkum, Ranchi-834 010.

Insights

Tuberculosis patients in the Armed Forces were screened for HIV, revealing a 1.06% co-infection rate. This study highlights lower HIV prevalence alongside tuberculosis in military personnel compared to the general population.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Military Medicine

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection presents significant global health challenges.
  • Understanding the prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection in specific populations, such as military personnel, is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the co-infection rate of tuberculosis and HIV among serving personnel of the Armed Forces.
  • To compare the seroprevalence of HIV in tuberculosis patients within the Armed Forces to that of the civil population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of Armed Forces personnel admitted with tuberculosis between April 1996 and 1999 was assessed.
  • Initial HIV testing was performed using spot kits, with positive results confirmed by ELISA on two separate samples.
  • Data on patient demographics, risk factors (alcohol, smoking, sexual history), and sputum smear results were collected.

Main Results:

  • Out of 1.06% of tuberculosis patients, 60 individuals were found to be HIV positive.
  • The majority of co-infected individuals (80%) were in the sexually active age group.
  • Alcohol and smoking were associated with 80% of cases, and 46.7% reported exposure to sex workers.

Conclusions:

  • The seroprevalence of HIV in association with tuberculosis is lower in the Armed Forces compared to the civil population.
  • Findings underscore the importance of screening for HIV in military tuberculosis patients, considering associated risk factors.

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