A study on the prevalence and characteristics of tuberculosis in people living with HIV in a tertiary care hospital

Tuberculosis is the most common opportunistic infection and the most common cause of mortality in PL-HIV. This is a study targeting this co-epidemic, with the objective of assessing the prevalence and characteristics of tuberculosis in PL-HIV, stratified by their CD-4 count, presenting to a tertiary care hospital. Informed consent will be obtained from both newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed people living with HIV under the care of the Department of General Medicine, and will be recruited under the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria

Data will be collected on the socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics  of the patients, using a structured proforma. Past history of tuberculosis will also be recorded. The test records captured to ascertain tuberculosis are a part of the standard of care. No additional tests will be done as a part of the study. The data collected will be analysed and the prevalence and characteristics of tuberculosis will be measured and stratified based on CD4 count status of the patient. As a second objective, the practice of Isoniazid prophylactic therapy in people living with HIV and its outcomes is also being studied. The study participants who are on IPT (started as a part of the standard of care) will be followed up to assess the outcome of the same, for a duration of 6 months.