Tuberculosis Co-infection among HIV/AIDS Cases Attending an Anti-retroviral Therapy Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: The co-occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) results in heightened morbidity and mortality, placing an increased burden on healthcare systems. This study aims to assess the incidence and identify associated risk factors for TB/HIV co-infection, with the objective of enhancing the survival rates of co-infected patients in Pakistan. Methods: This retrospective cohort investigation took place at the Anti-Retroviral Treatment Center in Islamabad, Pakistan. Data spanning a decade (January 2006 to December 2016) were extracted from 2,542 people living with HIV using a pre-tested data extraction tool. Results: Following the exclusion of 156 ineligible participants, records of 2,386 individuals were analyzed over 4,433 person-years. The cumulative incidence and incidence rate of TB among HIV/AIDS patients were 446 (18.7%) and 0.001 cases/10,000 person-years, respectively. The majority (81%) of incident TB cases occurred within one year, predominantly manifesting as pulmonary TB. Of the TB-infected individuals, 98.6% received TB medication, with 0.7% prescribed Isoniazid prophylaxis. Significant associations with TB were identified in relation to work abroad history, patient age, and current HIV stage (P<0.05). Binary logistic regression indicated a 3.1 times higher likelihood of TB infection in the anemic group compared to the non-anemic group. HIV/AIDS infection emerged as a consistent TB risk factor irrespective of CD4 count and WHO HIV staging. Conclusion: This study highlights a substantial incidence of TB co-infection among HIV patients in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for comprehensive efforts by the National AIDS Control and National TB Control Programs to effectively manage co-infection.