HIV TRANSMISSION, CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF TUBERCULOSIS AND ADHERENCE TO ANTI-RETROVIRAL AND ANTITUBERCULAR THERAPY AMONG HIV PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Title: HIV transmission, clinical presentation of tuberculosis and adherence to anti-retroviral and antitubercular therapy among HIV patients attending a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a public health challenge specially in developing countries like India. HIV infected individuals can become super spreaders of tuberculosis. Due to paucity of studies in eastern India regarding the clinical presentation of TB in HIV infected persons and adherence to therapy this study was conducted.

Materials and Methods: The study is an observational prospective study conducted on 102 HIV positive patients enrolled in ART centre of a tertiary care hospital. After taking consent detailed history and clinical examination with relevant laboratory and radiological investigations were done after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was entered in excel and analysed with proper statistical methods.

Results: Most of the patients belonged to lower socio-economic status and were married. Most common mode of transmission was by heterosexual route. Fever is the most common presentation of both TB and EPTB. Majority of patients adhered to therapy however that did not reduce the risk of developing TB.

Conclusion: HIV infection mostly affects married people of lower strata of society. Awareness programmes are vital to reduce the burden of disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce mortality and morbidity in people living with HIV.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, HIV AIDS, HAART