Frequency of HIV in Patients with Central Nervous System Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most widely recognized reason for death in patients of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS continue to be on an increase in Pakistan. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of HIV among patients with Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis as its progression to AIDS significantly influences mortality in these patients. The main objective of the study was to determine the frequency of HIV among patients with CNS tuberculosis.

Methods:

This Cross-Sectional study was conducted at Medicine Wards of Civil Hospital, Karachi from 7th October 2016 to 7th April 2017. A total of 140 newly diagnosed Central Nervous System tuberculosis patients were included. Blood sample collected for HIV test (ELISA) was interpreted as either: Reactive for HIV or Non-reactive for HIV. HIV infection was considered as HIV positive by using 3 Rapid Diagnostic testing kits according to guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO). All the patient data were collected through a pre-designed proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.23.0. Chi-square test was applied post stratification with p- value≤0.05 taken as statistically significant.

Results:

Sixteen patients (11.43%) of CNS tuberculosis were found to have HIV positive results. Out of total 140 patients, 50(35.71%) were female and 90(64.29%) were male. The average age of the patients was 39.37±12.8 years.

Conclusion:

CNS tuberculosis can be the primary clinical manifestation of HIV positive patients. Early recognizable proof of HIV in patients with CNS tuberculosis may warrant early inception of anti-HIV treatment.

Keywords:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Tuberculosis; Meningitis; Mycobacterium Tb.

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Volume 9 Issue-2 2020
DOI https://doi.org/10.36283/PJMD9-2/009
Publisher Name Ziauddin University
  • Lubna Shafi
  • Wishhal Sundar
  • Ammna Qazi
  • Rashid Qadeer
    • Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi,
  • Sameeta
    • Department of Nephrology, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center Karachi,
  • Ahsan Ashfaq
    • Department of Physiology, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.