Impact of CD4 Count in the Detection of TB in PLHIV: Role of GeneXpert MTB/RIF

Abstract: Introduction: HIV–TB co-infection has emerged as a major public health threat. In PLHIV with low CD4 count, get affected with TB. Hence the present study had taken up to know the prevalence of TB in its association with CD4 counts and Rifampicin resistance pattern in persons attending ART center, GGH, Guntur. Method: A prospective observational study conducted over an of the period of 3 months(August –October)2018 enrolled 204 PLHIV attending ART center who were symptomatic for TB. Sputum samples were obtained from them and subjected to CBNAAT in DTC. Among these TB infected cases, CD4 counts analyzed. Results: Among 204 cases, sputum samples were positive for TB in 26 (12.7%) PLHIV by CBNAAT, of which Rifampicin resistance was 15.3%. The predominant age group with53.6% HIV TB co-infection was between 31-50 years. Males(92.4%) were more affected by TB. TB-HIV co-infection among PLHIV with CD4 counts below 200mm3was 53.8%. It was statistically significant with pless than0.05. Conclusion: In PLHIV, with low CD4 cell count gives alert and that person is susceptible to TB infection or reactivation of latent infection. HIV-TB co-infection has more mortality and morbidity rates.GENEXPERT considered as excellence in early diagnosis with short turn around time in combating HIV-TB co-infection.