Pneumocyctis pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV-infected patients at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND

Respiratory infections such as pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and pneumonia are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in HIV infection. Recent studies have shown an increase in Pneumocystis jerovecii pneumonia (PCP) in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study determines the prevalence of PCP and other pulmonary infections among HIV patients at HIV clinics in Tanzania.

METHODS

HIV infected patients with cough were enrolled between May and November 2006. Sputum induction was done and examined for PCP using Toluidine blue stain and Polymerase chain reaction. Ziehl-Neelsen stain was also done for PTB.

RESULTS

Nine of the 125 (7.2%) had smear positive PTB. PCP was diagnosed in 10.4% (13/125) by Toluidine blue, while PCR was positive in 3.6% (3/88). Low CD4+ cell counts were associated with increased risk to both PCP and PTB.

CONCLUSION

PCP is still low in Tanzania. PTB remains the major respiratory problem in HIV patients with cough. Toluidine blue staining is not reliable for PCP diagnosis