HUMAN IMMUNO DEFICIENCY VIRUS AND TUBERCULOSIS COINFECTION AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING HOLLEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OCHADAMU, OFU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KOGI STATE

Tuberculosis and human Immuno-deficiency virus co-epidemics remain a major public health challenge particularly in resource limited settings. This study determined the prevalence of HIV co-infection among TB patients and the risk factors among patients attending Holly memorial Hospital Ochadamu, Ofu L.G.A., Kogi State, Nigeria. Two hundred (200) patients participated in the research, out of which one hundred and seventy three (173) were already confirmed to be HIV positive. Sputum samples were collected by experts into sample bottles aseptically for Acid fast Bacilli test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis; while blood samples were collected by trained nurses from the same candidates by venepuncture into anticoagulated bottles for HIV screening to re- confirm their status. Questionnaires were also administered to obtain some important demographic data. Sputum smear microscopy was carried out to test for Acid Fast Bacilli. Rapid haemagglutination assay was carried out to re-confirm the HIV status of the patients. Results showed that Twenty seven (27) patients signifying 13.5 % were TB/HIV co-infected. There was significant (p<0.05) relationship between TB and HIV status of the patients and clinical symptoms (dry cough, cough with sputum, weight loss and fever). There is need to study Immuno-haematological indices (CD4 count, Full Blood Count and ESR) routinely to monitor TB and HIV patients on regular basis in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the diseases.