Prevalence of Human Immune Deficiency Virus in Suspected Tuberculosis Patients Attending Clinics in Benin City NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis and HIV have been closely linked since the emergence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. HIV has contributed to a significant increase in the incidence of tuberculosis worldwide by producing a progressive decline in cell immunity. Four hundred and seventy sputum samples were collected from different clinics in and around Benin City and tested for tuberculosis and HIV. Of the 470 samples tested, only 147 (32%) were positive while 323 (68%) were negative for tuberculosis. 71 (15%) were positive for HIV alone while 56 (11%) were co-infected with both tuberculosis and HIV. Of the 103 patients who received BCG at childhood 18.2% tested positive. More males tested positive than their female counterparts, while traders had the highest number of positive case and also had the highest attributable risk. Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State Nigeria had the highest number of positive cases. It could be said that HIV has contributed to the prevalence of tuberculosis in Edo State Nigeria. The high rate of tuberculosis is then associated with increase in HIV infection.