Dual burden of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus: Outcomes and implications from Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection remain a significant public health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study investigates the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcome of TB-HIV coinfected patients in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India.

METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted using hospital records in an antiretroviral therapy (ART) Centre of a tertiary care hospital from October 2021 to September 2023. Among 3383 registered HIV patients, 129 (3.8%) were diagnosed with TB. Clinical data, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Most patients were males (62.0%), with a mean age of 39.7 years. Pulmonary TB was the most common type (93.0%), and 58.1% of cases were microbiologically confirmed. The median baseline and follow-up CD4 counts were 309 and 430 cells/mm3, respectively. TB treatment adherence was 74.6%, while 24.0% defaulted, contributing to 84.4% of the reported deaths. Incomplete isoniazid preventive therapy was a significant predictor of treatment default and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Despite progress in ART coverage and TB diagnosis, challenges in treatment adherence and mortality reduction persist. Strengthening diagnostic infrastructure, adherence strategies, and integrated TB-HIV care is crucial to improve outcomes in co-infected populations.