To study the incidence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in newly diagnosed HIV patients

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a major health problem in India. India accounts for 26% of global TB burden. HIV-TB coinfection is commonly seen. WHO and RNTCP India recommends screening of all newly diagnosed HIV patients with a cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test called Gene Xpert. Aim: To study the incidence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in newly diagnosed HIV patients. Methods: All newly diagnosed HIV positive patients were referred from HIV Centre to Pulmonary Medicine OPD for screening of tuberculosis before starting anti-retroviral drugs. Patients underwent sputum Gene Xpert apart from other investigations required as per clinical examination. 210 such patients were screened for pulmonary tuberculosis from March 2016 to December 2016 and were included in the study. Results: A total of 210 patients were included in the study undergoing Gene Xpert. In 24 (11.42%) HIV positive patients, MTB was detected. 2(0.95%) patients were rifampicin resistant. Conclusion: Screening with Gene Xpert in all HIV positive patients helps in early diagnosis and treatment of TB and active case finding of patients with drug resistant tuberculosis. The results are available in less than 2 hours. Use of Gene Xpert will thus help in reducing morbidity, mortality and transmission of tuberculosis.