Abstract:
Tuberculosis and human Immuno-deficiency virus co-epidemics remain a major public health
challenge particularly in resource limited settings. This study determined the prevalence of HIV
co-infection among TB patients and the risk factors among patients attending Holly memorial
Hospital Ochadamu, Ofu L.G.A., Kogi State, Nigeria. Two hundred (200) patients participated in
the research, out of which one hundred and seventy three (173) were already confirmed to be
HIV positive. Sputum samples were collected by experts into sample bottles aseptically for Acid
fast Bacilli test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis; while blood samples were collected by trained
nurses from the same candidates by venepuncture into anticoagulated bottles for HIV screening
to re- confirm their status. Questionnaires were also administered to obtain some important
demographic data. Sputum smear microscopy was carried out to test for Acid Fast Bacilli. Rapid
haemagglutination assay was carried out to re-confirm the HIV status of the patients. Results
showed that Twenty seven (27) patients signifying 13.5 % were TB/HIV co-infected. There was
significant (p<0.05) relationship between TB and HIV status of the patients and clinical
symptoms (dry cough, cough with sputum, weight loss and fever). There is need to study
Immuno-haematological indices (CD4 count, Full Blood Count and ESR) routinely to monitor
TB and HIV patients on regular basis in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with
the diseases.
