Abstract
To investigate the utility of testing all tuberculosis patients for HIV infection in Los Angeles, we prospectively evaluated 183 hospitalized patients with acid-fast smear-positive tuberculosis who gave no history of HIV infection. HIV serologic testing was performed, and the presence of risk factors for HIV infection was assessed by interview and review of the medical record. Thirty-three patients (18%) were infected with HIV. Based on data obtained by interview, 124 (68%) of 183 patients had at least one risk factor for HIV infection. The most common risk factors were related to heterosexual transmission of HIV (prostitute contact, multiple sex partners, and a history of sexually transmitted disease). These risk factors were frequently not documented in the medical record. Among the 33 patients who were infected with HIV, 30 were identified by interviewing as having significant risk factors. We concluded that most tuberculosis patients in Los Angeles have risk factors for HIV infection and that systematic questioning does not identify risk factors in all HIV-infected tuberculosis patients. These data support current recommendations to screen all tuberculosis patients for HIV infection.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
