Trend of HIV infection in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in south India.

SETTING

Tuberculosis is life threatening, transmissible and pandemic especially among millions of HIV infected persons. In developing countries like India where HIV infection is becoming prevalent and where tuberculosis infection has long been endemic, its incidence is increasing.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to find out the trend of HIV infection in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in south India.

DESIGN

HIV seropositivity was assessed in 1430 radiologically and/or bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients attending major tuberculosis institutions in Madras by the AIDS Cell, Institute of Microbiology, Madras Medical College, Madras from January 1991 to May 1993.

RESULTS

HIV seropositivity was found to rise significantly from 0.77% in 1991 to 3.4% in 1993 (P < 0.05). 22 (91.67%) of a total of 24 HIV seropositive pulmonary tuberculosis patients had pulmonary cavities and 21 patients (87.5%) had bacteriological confirmation of tuberculosis.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this prospective study suggest that pulmonary tuberculosis patients with HIV infection are an in early phase of immunosuppression. This study reveals the rising trend of HIV infection; all persons with tuberculosis should therefore be questioned about the risk factors for HIV infection and urged to have an HIV test.