A Study of Clinical, Bacteriological and Radiological Pattern of Pulmonary Tuberculosis among HIV Seropositive Individuals in Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is the number one infectious disease killer worldwide. TB and HIV combination forms the deadly synergy in India. HIV increases the risk of progression of latent TB infection to active TB disease. The study of the clinical, radiological and bacteriological manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV infected patients helps in early detection and treatment of tuberculosis so that we can prevent the spread of tuberculosis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical, bacteriological and radiological pattern of pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV seropositive patients in Kilpauk Medical College. METHODS: This is a Cross sectional Study conducted during January 2015 to August 2015. Study sample being 64 patients among 150 patients who attended ART OP and were admitted in General Medicine ward KMCH with Tuberculosis and HIV during the study period. investigations that include Complete blood count, Liver Function Test, Renal function test, Sputum Microscopic Examination for Acid Fast Bacilli, Chest X-Ray PA view, Mantoux test (Intradermal tuberculin skin test), CD-4+ cell count. CBC, RFT, LFT are done using the conventional laboratory methods. RESULTS: There was significant correlation between mantoux vs CD4 count , sputum AFB vs CD4 count, sputum AFB vs mantoux and military mottling vs CD4 count and DM and lower lobe lesions, cough and CD4 count. CONCLUSION: Thus, a high level of clinical suspicion is required in diagnosis of TB in HIV infected especially when they are in the later stages of disease which is indicated by CD4 counts < 350 cells/μl. Hence, the diagnosis of tuberculosis has to be suspected in HIV positive persons irrespective of the type, site and extent of radiological lesions