Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Keffi and its environs

Abstract

Coinfection with HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis is known to be a lethal combination especially with its attendant mortality and morbidity. The need to have a baseline data in an environment like Keffi with a HIV/AIDS prevalence of 38.6% necessitated this study. Three hundred and ninety people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) were screened for pulmonary tuberculosis. Results of this study showed 16.7% prevalence of coinfection in the population. Gender-related prevalence of coinfection was 19.4% and 14.4% among males and females respectively (P>0.05). Age-related prevalence of coinfection was least among respondents of age below 20 years (13.3%) and highest among those of age above 40 years (20.2%) (P>0.05). Even though statistically insignificant by both parameters, these findings are of public health significance. There is therefore an urgent need for immediate intervention to allow for early TB diagnosis, institution of anti-TB treatment and provision of prophylaxis against TB among TB-negative PLWHA. © Association of Microbiologists of India 2009.