PREVALENCE OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCLOSIS AMONG HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS AGED 12-60 YEARS ATTENDING ART CLINIC AT CMRC HC IV MUBENDE DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) infection is the leading co-infection among HIV/Aids patients in the world. The objective of the study will be to determine the prevalence and risk factors of tuberculosis among clients attending ART and OPD clinics at CMRC HC IV.

 Methodology

A cross-sectional study was carried out within a period of one month where any HIV-positive client from 12-60 years presenting with cough for more than 3 days was included in the study. The results were obtained by microscopic examination of ZN-stained smears for red rods or bacilli.

 Results

The prevalence of participants was 80 (70.8%) and 33 (29.2%) were negative, 48 (60%) male patients had developed active TB infection. 58 (72.5%) of the TB patients had positive acid-fast bacilli,22 (27.5%) had positive Gene Expert, and 29 (36.3%) of the TB clients were between 26 and 35 years. Catholics had the highest prevalence of 27 (33.7%). Most of the TB cases were among Single clients 45 (56.3%), clients with a primary level of education, and those who never attended school at a prevalence of 21 (26.3%) and 35 (43.7%) respectively. Also, the non-formal employed had a higher prevalence of 47 (58.8%) and the majority of the TB patients had a pulmonary TB infection

 Conclusion

The prevalence of tuberculosis infection among HIV clients at CMRC H/C IV Mubende District was high. Laboratory diagnosis of TB by Smear microscopy provided the least positive TB cases compared to other methods.

 Recommendation

Clinicians and other health service providers to intensify early screening of HIV-positive clients for tuberculosis and initiation of TB preventive therapy particularly for patients with advanced WHO clinical stage. Multiple laboratory diagnostic methods should be employed in addition to smear microscopy to minimize delayed diagnosis and treatment.