A study of determine the seroprevalence rate and clinical presentation of HIV-associated pulmonary tuberculosis was carried out in Jos between October 1990 and September 1991. Out of the 180 newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients, 11(6.1%) were confirmed seropositive for HIV-1 and 2. The peak age range for both tuberculosis and HIV infection in both sexes is 20-40 years. The risk of HIV infection was associated with multiple sex partners and blood transfusion. There was no significant difference in the clinical presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis between HIV-seropositive and seronegative patients (P > 0.1). However, diarrhoea, lymphadenopathy and marked weight loss were found to be significantly associated with HIV infection (P < 0.05). The mean lymphocyte count of HIV seropositives was significantly lower than seronegatives (P < 0.01).
PIP: While tuberculosis (TB) is already a highly common disease in developing countries, the advent and spread of HIV/AIDS has further increased the incidence of TB worldwide, especially in Africa. Findings are presented from a study conducted to determine the seroprevalence rate and clinical presentation of HIV-associated pulmonary TB among 180 newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, between October 1990 and September 1991. 11 (6.1%) patients were confirmed seropositive for HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection, with the peak age range for both TB and HIV infection in both sexes being 20-40 years. The risk of HIV infection was associated with multiple sex partners and blood transfusion. No significant difference was observed in the clinical presentation of pulmonary TB between HIV-seropositive and seronegative patients. However, diarrhea, marked weight loss, and lymphadenopathy were significantly associated with HIV infection. The mean lymphocyte count of HIV seropositive individuals was significantly lower than among seronegative individuals.