Abstract:
Background. Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death among patients infected
with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The immunosuppression caused by HIV
significantly contributes to the development of TB. Detection and appropriate treatment of
TB in HIV-positive populations remain a major challenge.
Objective(s). The study aimed to evaluate and analyze the main challenges and difficulties
in the detection and diagnosis of patients with TB/HIV coinfection, as well as the treatment
success rate.
Materials and methods. A retrospective, selective, case-control study was conducted,
including 86 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis between January 1 and
December 31, 2023. The patients were divided into two study groups: Group 1 – 38 patients
with CD4 levels >200 cells/mm³; Group 2 – 48 patients with CD4 levels <200 cells/mm³.
Results. In the "2nd SG" predominates among male patients with co-infection TB/HIV along
with individuals belonging to the 25-34 and >55 age ranges yet "1st SG" shows higher
presence among female participants in addition to people aged 45-54 years. Patients under
1st SG" had more medical conditions at higher rates than those under the other
immunosuppressive regimens. The examined conditions include Pneumonia with P. jiroveci
(21% vs 0%), Toxoplasmosis (13% vs 0%), Herpes zoster (16% vs 0%), Oropharyngeal
Candidiasis (82% vs 40%), Thrombocytopenia (18% vs 4%). Drug-resistant TB causes
higher rates of deaths among the "2nd SG" patients (42% vs 27%).
Conclusion(s). In clinical settings, the diagnosis of AIDS was suggested by the presence of
oropharyngeal candidiasis, toxoplasmosis, herpes zoster and P. jirovecii pneumonia.
Effective management of TB/HIV co-infection requires integrated, multidisciplinary care to
improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality.
