TUBERLCULOSIS (TB) IN THE POPULATION WITH HIV INFECTION, 2012-2014

HIV and TB remains a public health problem in many parts of the world. Tuberculosis remains a serious threat, especially for people living with HIV. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of TB among patients with HIV infection during the period of time 2012-2014. This was a descriptive study. Evaluating patients’ files with HIV infection followed at the Outpatient Clinic for HIV/AIDS, part of Infectious Service, University Hospital Center ”Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania, during the period of time 2012-2014. From 298 patients infected with HIV, we included 13 patients with co-infection HIV/TB. We have evaluated the epidemiological data of TB patients encountered in HIV/AIDS. Data were subjected to descriptive and correlation analysis. Simple percentages, tables and graphs were used to present the results. Of the 298 patients infected with HIV, 13 were co-infected with HIV and TB. The level of TB among patients with HIV infection was 4.36 % (13/298). 76.9 % (10/13) had pulmonary TB and 23,1% (3/13) had extra pulmonary TB and 61.5% (8/13) reported sputum positivity for acid fast bacilli. 69% (9/13) of co-infected patients are on ART. By gender, TB in patients with HIV infection was 7.7 % among females and 92.3% among males. Specific weight of mortality in patients with HIV/TB co-infection during the period of time, 2012-2014 was 53.8 % (7cases out of 13cases in total). Death rates among co-infected patients were high as HIV positive patients. The most affected age was 35-50 years old. The presence of TB in HIV-infected patients increases morbidity and mortality. Death rates among co-infected patients were high as HIV positive patients.