Effect of hepatitis C virus infection on patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

Background Tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain major health problems in our country that affect health, economy, and development. Several studies have been done to show the correlation between TB and HCV coinfection and its effect on the patient’s outcome. Aim The aim was to assess the effect of HCV infection on the course and outcome of the patients with pulmonary TB. Patients and methods This retrospective (case–control) study was carried out on two groups of patients: group I: 20 patients with pulmonary TB and positive HCV infection; group II: 20 patients with pulmonary TB and seronegative HCV infection such as age-matched and sex-matched control group. Results There was no significant difference between the two studied groups regarding gender, age, and smoking; the mean age of 51.80±13.66 was in group I and the mean age of 45.70±16.86 was in group II (P>0.05). The number of retreatment cases was higher in group I (20%) and new diagnosed cases were higher in group II (90%). There was no significant difference between the two groups as regards conversion of their samples (P>0.05), but nonconversion and delay of conversion (at third month) of samples were higher in group I than in group II. Diffuse infiltration and cavitary lesion were the predominant findings in group I more than in group II. The failure of treatment was higher in group I than in group II. Regarding Child classification and HCV titer: 14 (70%) patients were of class A, five (25%) patients were of class B, and one (5%) patient was of class C. Twelve (60%) patients had low HCV titer and eight (40%) patients had high HCV titer. In group I, there was significant statistical difference between Child classification and HCV titer on one hand and outcome of treatment (P<0.05) on the other. Conclusion TB and HCV coinfection has an effect on the patients as there is an increase in the number of reactivation and retreatment cases. Negativity of sputum sample is common and there is a delay of sputum conversion. There are higher chances of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB and treatment failure.