Version 1: A HOSPITAL BASED OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON HIV-TB COINFECTION

 BACKGROUND: 

HIV is the leading cause of failure to reach TB control targets in high-HIV settings. TB on the other hand enhances progression of HIV infection to AIDS. 

MATERIAL AND METHODS :

An observational study was conducted in which a total of 573 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients enrolled at ART center, KGMU, Lucknow between May 2021 to June 2022 were taken of which 80 patients had newly diagnosed TB. These HIV-TB co-infected patients were analyzed for demographic factors. Also, CD4 counts were done at the time of enrolment on ART and then about six to eight months later. For comparision, of the 493 HIV only patients, 50 age and sex matched consecutive patients for whom baseline and follow up CD4 counts were available were enrolled as controls. The change from baseline CD4 count was calculated using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. 

RESULTS : 

In present study,among HIV-TB coinfected patients, baseline CD4 levels were 194.52±162.27, and follow up CD4 levels were 285.09±170.33. An increment of 90.57±165.60 in mean CD4 levels was observed which was statistically significant(t=4.019; p<0.001 ). 

CONCLUSION :

Significant rise in CD4 counts was observed in HIV-TB coinfected patients started on ART and ATT.