Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in tuberculosis patients in Addis Ababa

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in all health centres (n=17) in Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia during 1 August-31 December 1998. Blood samples were collected from 236 consecutive smear-positive tuberculosis patients consulting for HIV screening. 107 (45.3%) were HIV positive (66 males and 41 females). HIV-tuberculosis co-infection was highest in the 20- to 49-year-old age group (75% of which were in 20- to 39-year-olds). There were no significant differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with respect to other socio-demographic factors and presenting symptoms. The prevalence of co-infection appeared to have increased in relation to those in previous years (increases by 6.6%, 20% and 25% from years 1990, 1995 and 1996, respectively).