Determinants of tuberculosis among adult people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy at public hospitals in Hawassa City, South Ethiopia

Background

The burden of tuberculosis (TB)/HIV co-infection is high in sub-Saharan African countries. The aim of the present study was to identify determinants of TB among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at public hospitals in Hawassa City Administration, Sidama Region, Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based case-control study was conducted between 30 March and 30 April 2023. We employed a systematic random sampling to recruit participants. The cases were all adult PLHIV who developed TB after ART initiation, and the group without TB were all adult PLHIV who did not develop TB after their ART initiation. Data were collected from patients' medical records using Kobo-tool and then exported to SPSS Version 26 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of TB. Statistical significance was defined using the 95% confidence interval (CI).

Result

A total of 124 cases and 249 people without TB participated in the study. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, we identified five independent determinants of TB. These include age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.7; 95% CI 1.4-5.2), patients' residency (AOR = 6.4; 95% CI 2.8-14.5), WHO clinical stage III or IV (AOR = 6.7; 95% CI 3.2-14.0), isoniazid plus rifapentine (3HP) prophylaxis using (AOR = 0.5; 95% CI 0.2-0.9), and having other opportunistic infections (AOR = 3.6; 95% CI 1.7-7.6).

Conclusion and recommendation

Several risk factors for TB were identified among PLHIV. Strengthening TB screening in advanced disease conditions, encouraging use of 3HP prophylaxis, and early diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections were recommended to reduce the incidence of TB among PLHIV.

Incidence and predictors of Tuberculosis among patients enrolled in Anti-Retroviral Therapy after universal test and treat program, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A retrospective follow -up study

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading killer of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and almost one-third of deaths in the world are attributed to it and many of these deaths occur in developing countries. Despite these evidences, after the implementation of universal test and treat (UTT) strategy, information regarding the incidence and predictors of tuberculosis among PLHIV is limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of tuberculosis among patients enrolled in Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) after universal test and treat program at St. Peter hospital and Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institutional-based retrospective cohort study was conducted from November 1 to 30, 2020. Simple random sampling was used to select a total of 539 adults records which was enrolled on ART. Data was collected and entered into EPI DATA 3.1 and analyzed using STATA version 14.1. Time-to-event distributions were estimated using Kaplan–Meier estimates. Hazards across different categories were compared using log-rank tests. Predictors were identified using the Cox proportional hazards model. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed. Variables having P-value < 0.05 from the multivariable analysis were considered as a statistically significant.

Result

Among 539 records reviewed, 529 (98%) were included in the final analysis. The total follow-up period was 1529 Person-Year (PY). The incidence rate in this cohort was found to be 4.84 per 100-person year (95%CI,3.83–6.11). CD4 count<200 (AHR: 3.14,95% CI:1.64–7.10), poor adherence (AHR:2.16, 95% CI:1.21–3.85), underweight (AHR:2.42, 95% CI: 1.30–4.51), not taking isoniazid prophylaxis therapy (AHR: 2.78,95% CI: 1.06–7.30), being bedridden 3.06; (AHR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.50–6.24), and baseline WHO stage three or four (AHR:2.33, 95% CI:1.08–5.02) were independent predictors for the incidence of TB among HIV positive patients.

Conclusion

In this study, the incidence of tuberculosis is relatively low as compared to studies done before the initiation of test and treat program in Ethiopia. low CD4count, poor level of adherence, low BMI, not taking IPT prophylaxis, bedridden functional status, and being on baseline WHO stage III or IV were found to increase the hazard of tuberculosis. Hence, close follow up, reminders, surveillance, and tracing mechanisms targeting this higher risk group would decrease Tuberculosis among PLHIV.

Tuberculosis and isoniazid prophylaxis among adult HIV positive patients on ART in Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) can avert tuberculosis (TB) incidence among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients, the concomitant use of ART with isoniazid (INH) has a paramount effect. Despite this evidence, there is a paucity of data regarding TB incidence among HIV patients on ART with and without isoniazid prophylaxis and its predictors. Thus, this study sought to assess the incidence and predictors of TB among adult HIV positive patients on ART.

Methods

This was a hospital based retrospective study including 368 adult HIV positive patients on ART in Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital between January 1, 2016, and April 30, 2019. Data was extracted from clinical laboratory and HIV care ART follow up clinic. The bi-variable and multivariable regression models were used to ascertain predictors of incident TB. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software.

Results

A total of 335 adult HIV positive patients were included in the analysis, of whom, 56 (16.7%) were developed incident TB. Being ambulatory and bedridden (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.6), advanced WHO clinical HIV disease stage (III and IV) (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.6, 6.1), not taking INH (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.3, 5.9), and baseline CD4+ T cell count ≤ 200 cell/mm3 (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 7.2) were found to be the predictors of tuberculosis incidence.

Conclusion

The study indicated a high TB incidence among HIV positive patients in Gondar. Therefore, scaling up the isoniazid preventive therapy program and its strict compliance is necessary to avert HIV fueled tuberculosis in HIV endemic areas.

Incidence and Predictors of Opportunistic Infections Among Adult HIV Infected Patients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Follow-Up Study

Background

Opportunistic infections are the major causes for morbidity and mortality due to HIV infections. Despite advances in HIV diagnosis and management, the incidence of opportunistic infections remains high. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of opportunistic infections among persons living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted on 354 samples of adults living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. The data collection format was taken from national antiretroviral intake and follow-up forms. Epi-data Version 4.6.1 and STATA Version 16 software were used for data entry and data analysis respectively. The Cox-proportional hazards regression model was fitted. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate opportunistic infections-free survival time. Both bi-variable and multivariable Cox-proportional hazard regression analysis were done to identify predictors of opportunistic infections.

Results

Of the total 354 peoples living with HIV, 114 (32.2%) developed OI, with an incidence rate of 13.5 per 100 person-year (95% CI: 10.8-15.6). Advanced World Health Organization clinical disease stage (IV) (AHR: 2.1 (95% CI: 1.16, 3.8)), being bedridden (AHR: 1.66 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.65)), poor adherence (AHR: 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1-2.63), and low CD4 count (AHR: 1.92 95% CI: 1.14-3.22) were significant predictors of OIs.

Conclusion

Opportunistic infection among HIV/AIDS continues to be a significant public health concern in Ethiopian health care setting. Our results indicate that the incidence of OI is high. Besides, Stage IV HIV status, being bedridden, low CD4 count and poor adherence independently predicts an increased incidence/decreased survival time of OIs among PLWHIV. Early care-seeking and initiation of HAART and continuous follow-up of patients to take their drug timely are essential to curb the incidence of opportunistic infections and improve overall health. Further research on this area is highly recommended.

Active TB infection and its associated factors among HIV-1 infected patients at Jimma medical center, Southwest Ethiopia

Background

Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) increases the susceptibility to primary infection or reinfection and the risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation for patients with latent TB. There was no current report on the rate of active TB infection among HIV-1 infected patients in our teaching and referral hospital. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with active TB infection among HIV-1 infected patients.

Methods

Hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) chronic follow-up clinic. Systematic random sampling was used to include the patients. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the findings and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with active TB infection.

Result

150 HIV-1 infected patients (female 54.7%) were included. The median (interquartile range, IQR) age of the patients was 33.5 (25.7, 40.0) years. Twenty-six (17.3%) of the patients had developed active TB infection, which was independently associated with the WHO clinical stage III and IV (AOR: 9.67, 95% confidence interval (CI); 2.21–42.37), p = 0.003). The use of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) (AOR: 0.123, 95CI; 0.034–0.44, p = 0.001) and having good adherence to ART medications (AOR: 0.076, 95CI; 0.007–0.80, p = 0.032) was associated with the reduced risk of active TB infection among HIV-1 infected patients.

Conclusions

Advanced WHO clinical stages increased the risk of active TB infection, while the use of IPT and good adherence to ART medications reduced the risk of active TB infection. Therefore, patients with advanced WHO clinical stage should be screened for TB infection, and starting IPT for the candidate patients should be strengthened to reduce the burden of active TB incidence. ART medication adherence should also be supported.

Risk Factors for TB/HIV Coinfection and Consequences for Patient Outcomes: Evidence from 241 Clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo

(1) Background: In resource-limited countries, patients with tuberculosis (TB)/HIV coinfection commonly face economic, sociocultural, and behavioral barriers to effective treatment. These barriers manifest from low treatment literacy, poverty, gender inequality, malnutrition, societal stigmas regarding HIV, and an absence of available care. It is critical for intervention programs to understand and assist in overcoming these barriers and any additional risks encountered by patients with TB/HIV coinfection. This study analyzes variation in TB/HIV coinfection and risks of negative outcomes among patients with TB/HIV coinfection compared to those without coinfection. (2) Methods: This quantitative study used data from 49,460 patients receiving ART from 241 HIV/AIDS clinics in Haut-Katanga and Kinshasa, two provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were performed. (3) Results: Significantly higher proportions of patients with TB/HIV coinfection were men (4.5%; women, 3.3%), were new patients (3.7%; transferred-in, 1.6%), resided in the Kinshasa province (4.0%; Haut-Katanga, 2.7%), and were in an urban health zone (3.9%) or semi-rural health zone (3.1%; rural, 1.2%). Logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling for demographic and clinical variables, TB/HIV coinfection increased the risk of death (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.26 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.94–2.64)) and LTFU (AOR, 2.06 (95% CI: 1.82–2.34)). TB/HIV coinfection decreased the odds of viral load suppression (AOR, 0.58 (95% CI: 0.46–0.74)). (4) Conclusions: TB/HIV coinfection raises the risk of negative outcomes such as death, LTFU, and lack of viral load suppression. Our findings can help HIV clinics in Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries to customize their interventions to improve HIV care and reduce care disparities among patients.

Joint Modeling of Incidence of Tuberculosis and Change in Viral Load Over Time Among Adult HIV/AIDS Patients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy at Zewditu Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Globally, approximately 37.9 million people were living with HIV and one-third of these people are co-infected with tuberculosis (TB). However, little is known about predictors of tuberculosis incidence and its association with viral load. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing the incidence of tuberculosis and its predictors and its association with the longitudinal change in viral load over time among adult HIV/AIDS patients at Zewditu memorial hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 471 HIV patients. The proportional hazard assumption was checked for the survival sub-model and the longitudinal sub-model. Νormality assumption was checked. Then the joint model with time-dependent lagged parameterizations was fitted. The goodness of fit was checked using the Cox-Snell residual test and Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) was used for model selection. Finally, the hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) with a corresponding P-value <0.05 was used.

Results

A total of 471 patients were followed for a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 48 months with a median follow-up time of 44 months [IQR (33, 46)]. The incidence rate was 3.08/1000 person-years (PY) with a 95% CI of [0.0023788, 0.003998). Age above 65 years adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.06, 4.06), underweight at baseline (AHR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.20, 4.35), past opportunistic infection (AHR = 2.98, CI: 1.23, 7.17) and 6th month lagged value of the viral load were significant predictors for being co-infected with TB.

Conclusion

The incidence of TB among HIV/AIDS patients in Zewditu memorial hospital was low. Older age, underweight at baseline, and past opportunistic infection were significant predictors of time to TB co-infection. Thus, addressing significant predictors and strengthening continuous follow-up are highly recommended in the study setting.

Incidence and predictors of tuberculosis among HIV patients after initiation of antiretroviral treatment in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Tuberculosis is the oldest infectious disease and it is still the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Even though several primary studies have been conducted on the incidence of tuberculosis among HIV-infected individuals in Ethiopia, national-level tuberculosis incidence is unknown. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the TB incidence rate and its predictors among HIV-infected individuals after the initiation of ART in Ethiopia.

Methods

We conducted an extensive search of literature as indicated in the guideline of reporting systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). The databases used were PubMed, Google Scholar, and HINARI literature. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument for critical appraisal of studies. The meta-analysis and Meta regressions were conducted using STATA 14 software. Met-analysis and meta-regression were computed to present the pooled incidence rate and predictors of tuberculosis among HIV-infected patients after initiation of ART with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

Among a total of 189 studies, 11 studies were included in this analysis. The estimated pooled incidence rate of TB per 100-person year observation (PYO) among HIV-infected patients after initiation of ART therapy was 4.8(95% CI 3.69–5.83). In subgroup analysis, the estimated pooled incidence of tuberculosis showed a slight difference between adults and children after initiation of ART treatment, which was 4.3 (95% CI 2.96, 5.71) and 5.0 (95% CI 3.51, 6.50), respectively. Significantly pooled estimates of predictors of TB incidence by a meta-analysis were being anemic (2.30, 95% CI 1.75, 3.02); on clinical stages III and IV (2.26, 95% CI 1.70, 3.02); and not on cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) (2.16, 95% CI 1.23, 3.72). Besides, a meta-regression revealed that CD4 <200 cells/mm³ (2.12, 95% CI 1.17, 3.86) was a positive significant predictor of TB among HIV patients after the initiation of ART.

Conclusions

The current study showed that the pooled incidence of TB among HIV patients was found to be lower than the WHO 2018 national estimate. Being anemic, WHO stages III and IV, not on CPT, CD4<200cells/μl, and being male were significant predictors of tuberculosis. Therefore, the existing strategies to decrease TB should be strengthening.

Study protocol registration

CRD42020155573.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41182-021-00306-2.

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Among HIV/AIDS Patients Attending Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at Debre Tabor Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) has remained as a top global public health concern of the 21st century. It is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the magnitude of pulmonary tuberculosis and its associated factors among HIV-positive patients attending antiretroviral treatment (ART) clinic in Debre Tabor specialized hospital, Northwest, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 HIV-positive adult participants attending the ART clinic from October 1st to December 30th 2019. Socio-demographic data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Sputum was collected aseptically into a sterile and leak-proof container. Following aseptic techniques, each sample was processed using the GeneXpert assay based on the manufacturer's instructions. Similarly, about 3-5 mL of whole blood was drawn for CD4+ T-cell count and plasma viral load tests following standard blood collection procedures. CD4+ T-cell count was performed using the BD FACS caliber flow cytometry while the plasma viral load was performed by using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Then, collected data were double-checked, cleaned and entered into Epi-Info version 7.2.0.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for further statistical analysis. The bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to address risk factor analysis. The 95%confidence interval with its corresponding cure and adjusted odds ratio was computed. Finally, p-value ≤0.05 was considered as a statistically significant association.

RESULTS

In this study, the overall prevalence of tuberculosis among HIV-positive patients was 18 [(5%), 95% CI: 2.8-7.5]. A high viral load (≥1000 copies/mL) was positively associated [AOR (95% CI: 6.4 (1.6-25.7)), p < 0.001] with developing tuberculosis among HIV-positive patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of TB is low among ART-receiving patients in our study site.

Predictors of tuberculosis infection among adults visiting anti-retroviral treatment center at east and west Gojjam, northwest, Ethiopia, 2017

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis is a serious health risk, for people living with human immune deficiency virus worldwide, and the burden of TB/HIV infection is still high in Ethiopia in particular. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the predictors of tuberculosis infection among adults visiting anti-retroviral treatment center in East and West Gojjam, northwest, Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institution based unmatched case-control study was employed to determine the predictors of tuberculosis infection among adults visiting anti-retroviral treatment center in east and west Gojjam, Northwest, Ethiopia from March 7-April 15, 2017. Just about 552 participants were participated in the study (139 Cases and 413 controls). Cases were confirmed with active TB and infected with HIV, and controls were HIV positive adults with non-TB. All cases in each health facility who confirmed by acid-fast bacilli, culture and gene expert were considered as TB positive. However, controls were selected by using simple random sampling technique through the above diagnostic criteria and the data were collected with Face to face interview as well as patient medical record were utilized, and the quality of the data were assured, checked, coded, cleaned and entered in EPI-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for the analysis.

RESULT

Of the total sample (556), just about 552(99.2%) were participated in the study. 47.5% were females and 58.9% were rural dweller. Behavioral and modifiable biological risk factors: alcohol users (AOR = 2.33; 95%CI:1.34,4.07), BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (AOR = 3.03;95%CI:1.79,5.14), CD4 count ≤200 cells/μl (AOR = 2.34;95%CI:1.89,2.79) and between 201 and 499 cells/μl (AOR = 2.63; 95%CI: 1.01,6.84), bedridden and ambulatory (AOR = 3.3;95%CI:1.70,6.29 and AOR = 8.2;95%CI:4.34,15.64), respectively. TB history in the family (AOR = 3.00; 95%CI: 1.57, 5.74) were predictors for TB infection. Taking CPT (AOR = 0.36; 95%CI: 0.21, 0.62) and having early WHO clinical stage I or II (AOR = 0.34; 95%CI: 0.20, 0.56) had protective effect against TB infection.

CONCLUSION

From this study, it has been concluded that alcohol users, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, CD4 count < 499 cells/μl, bedridden and ambulatory and TB history were predictors for TB-HIV co-infected adults. Strengthen screening more frequently, CPT Prophlaxysis and treated promptly important to reduce TB co-morbidity.

Determinants of Active Tuberculosis Occurrences after ART Initiation among Adult HIV-Positive Clients in West Showa Zone Public Hospitals, Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Introduction. Tuberculosis is a major public health concern globally, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. It is the most common opportunistic infection and leading cause of mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus despite increased deliverance of antiretroviral therapy. Objectives. The aim of this study was to identify determinants of active tuberculosis among adult HIV positive patients after ART initiation in West Showa Zone public hospitals, Ethiopia. Methods. Multicentred unmatched case-control study was conducted on selected public hospitals in West Showa Zone from February to June, 2019. A total of 406 participants (203 cases and 203 controls) were included in the study. Cases were adult HIV patients who developed tuberculosis after ART initiation while controls were adult HIV patients who did not develop tuberculosis after ART initiation. Data were collected using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 statistical software. Statistical significance test was set at 95% confidence level. Results. This study identified that patient’s previous TB history (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.49, 3.90; P value<0.001), haemoglobin level (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI: 1.98, 6.79; P value<0.001), CD4 cells count (AOR = 2.02; CI: 1.24, 3.29; P value=0.004), adherence level (AOR = 19.00; CI: 5.59, 64.59; P vaue<0.001), and WHO HIV/AIDS clinical stage (AOR = 2.58; CI: 1.59, 4.18; P vaue<0.001) were found to be statistically significant determinants for the occurrence of tuberculosis among PLHIV after ART initiation. Conclusion. Patient’s previous TB history, haemoglobin level, CD4 cells count, adherence level, and WHO clinical stage were significant determinants of occurrence of tuberculosis after ART initiation in PLHIV.

Tuberculosis and its association with CD4+ T cell count among adult HIV positive patients in Ethiopian settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) and HV have been intertwined and makeup a deadly human syndemic worldwide, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Previous studies have reported different TB incidences and its association with CD4⁺ T cell counts among HIV positive patients in Ethiopia. Thus, the goal of this meta-analysis was, first, to determine pooled incident TB among adult HIV positive patients, and second, to assess the association between incident TB and baseline CD4⁺ T cell count strata’s.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane library, Science Direct and Google scholar databases from June 1 to 30, 2018. The I² statistics and Egger’s regression test was used to determine heterogeneity and publication bias among included studies respectively. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled incident TB and odds ratio with the respective 95% confidence intervals using Stata version 11.0 statistical software.

Results

A total of 403 research articles were identified, and 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled incident TB among adult HIV infected patients in Ethiopia was 16.58% (95% CI; 13.25–19.91%). Specifically, TB incidence in Pre-ART and ART was 17.16% (95% CI; 7.95–26.37%) and 16.24% (95% CI; 12.63–19.84%) respectively. Moreover, incident TB among ART receiving patients with baseline CD4⁺ T cell count < and > 200 cells/mm³ was 28.86% (95% CI; 18.73–38.98%) and 13.7% (95% CI; 1.41–25.98%) correspondingly. The odds of getting incident TB was 2.88 (95% CI; 1.55–5.35%) for patients with baseline CD4⁺ T cell count < 200 cells/mm³ compared to patients with baseline CD4⁺ T cell count > 200 cells/mm³.

Conclusion

High incident TB among adult HIV positive patients was estimated, especially in patients with CD4⁺ T cell count < 200 cells/mm³. Therefore, Early HIV screening and ART initiation, as well as strict compliance with ART and increasing the coverage of TB preventive therapy to more risky groups are important to prevent the problem.

Trial registration

Study protocol registration: CRD42018090802.

Incidence and predictors of extrapulmonary tuberculosis among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is an emerging public health problem among HIV positives compared to the general population. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of extrapulmonary tuberculosis among people living with HIV in selected health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 01 January 2013 up to 31 December 2018.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study design was employed based on data collected from 566 HIV positive individuals. Data were entered using EpiInfo version 7.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. The incidence rate was determined per 100 person-years. Kaplan-Meier estimates used to estimate survivor and the hazard function, whereas log-rank tests used to compare survival curves and hazard across different categories. Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify the predictors and 95%CI of the hazard ratio were computed. P-value<0.05 in the multivariable analysis was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Five hundred sixty-six HIV positive individuals were followed for 2140.08 person-years. Among them, 72 developed extrapulmonary tuberculosis that gives an incidence rate of 3.36/100 person-years (95%CI = 2.68-4.22). The most frequent forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis were; lymph node tuberculosis (56%, 41) followed equally by pleural tuberculosis (15%, 11) and disseminated tuberculosis (15%, 11). The majority (70.83%) of the cases occurred within the first year of follow-up. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, baseline WHO stage III/IV (AHR = 2.720, 95%CI = 1.575-4.697), baseline CD4 count<50cells/μl (AHR = 4.073, 95%CI = 2.064-8.040), baseline CD4 count 50-200 cells/μl (AHR = 2.360, 95%CI = 1.314-4.239) and baseline Hgb<10 mg/dl (AHR = 1.979, 95%CI = 1.091-3.591) were the independent risk factors. While isoniazid prophylaxis (AHR = 0.232, 95%CI = 0.095-0.565) and taking antiretroviral drugs (AHR = 0.134, 95%CI = 0.075-0.238) had a protective benefit.

CONCLUSION

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis co-infection was common among HIV positive individuals, and mostly occurred in those with advanced immune suppression. The risk decreases in those taking antiretroviral therapy and took isoniazid preventive treatment. Screening of HIV positives for extrapulmonary tuberculosis throughout their follow-up would be important.

Incidence and predictors of tuberculosis occurrence among adults on antiretroviral therapy at Debre Markos referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: retrospective follow-up study

BACKGROUND

In resource limited settings, Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients on antiretroviral treatment. Ethiopia is one of the 30 high TB burden countries. TB causes burden in healthcare system and challenge the effectiveness of HIV care. This study was to assess incidence and predictors of Tuberculosis among adults on antiretroviral therapy at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.

METHODS

Institution based retrospective follow up study was conducted among adults on ART newly enrolled from 2014 to 2018 at Debre Markos Referral Hospital. Simple random sampling technique was used to select patients chart. Data was entered to EPI- INFO version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using Stata 14.0. Tuberculosis incidence rate was computed and described using frequency tables. Both bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models was fitted to identify predictors of TB.

RESULTS

Out of the 536 patients chart reviewed, 494 patient records were included in the analysis. A total of 62 patients developed new TB cases during the follow up period of 1000.22 Person Years (PY); which gives an overall incidence rate of 6.19 cases per 100 PY (95% CI: 4.83-7.95). The highest rate was seen within the first year of follow up. After adjustment base line Hemoglobin < 10 g/dl (AHR = 5.25; 95% CI: 2.52-10.95), ambulatory/bedridden patients at enrolment (AHR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.13-4.73), having fair or poor ART adherence (AHR = 3.22; 95% CI: 1.64-6.31) were associated with increased risk of tuberculosis whereas taking Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) (AHR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12-0.85) were protective factors of TB occurrence.

CONCLUSION

TB incidence was high among adults on ART especially in the first year of enrollment to ART. Low hemoglobin level, ambulatory or bedridden functional status, non-adherence to ART and IPT usage status were found to be independent predictors. Hence, continuous follow up for ART adherence and provision of IPT has a great importance to reduce the risk of TB.

Incidence and determinants of tuberculosis among HIV-positive individuals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence and determinants of tuberculosis (TB) among HIV-positive individuals in selected health facilities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the period January 2013 to December 2018.

METHODS

Data were collected from the records of 566 HIV-positive individuals. A retrospective cohort study design was employed. Data were entered into Epi Info 7 and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. TB incidence density was determined per 100 person-years. Time-to-event distributions were estimated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Survival curves and hazards across different categories were compared using log-rank tests. Determinants were identified using the Cox proportional hazards model. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed. A p-value <0.05 in the multivariate analysis was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 566 HIV-positive individuals were followed for 2140.08 person-years, giving a TB incidence density rate of 6.82/100 person-years (146, 25.8%). The highest incidence was observed within the first year of follow-up. Independent determinants were large family size (adjusted HR (AHR) 1.783, 95% CI 1.113-2.855), lower baseline CD4 (AHR 2.568, 95% CI 1.602-4.116), and baseline body mass index <18.5 kg/m² (AHR 1.907, 95% CI 1.530-2.690). Being enrolled in antiretroviral treatment (AHR 0.066, 95% CI 0.045-0.98) and taking isoniazid prophylaxis treatment (AHR 0.202, 95% CI 0.108-0.380) had a protective effect.

CONCLUSIONS

TB is still a major cause of morbidity among HIV-positive individuals. Early HIV diagnosis, enrollment on antiretroviral treatment, and isoniazid prophylaxis treatment should be considered to decrease the TB risk.

Incidence and predictors of tuberculosis among HIV-positive adults on antiretroviral therapy at Debre Markos referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective record review

Background

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus. Almost one-third of deaths among people living with human immunodeficiency virus are attributed to tuberculosis. Despite this evidence, in Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of information regarding the incidence and predictors of tuberculosis among people living with HIV. Thus, this study assessed the incidence and predictors of tuberculosis among HIV-positive adults on antiretroviral therapy.

Methods

This study was a retrospective record review including 544 HIV-positive adults on antiretroviral therapy at Debre Markos Referral Hospital between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The data extraction format was adapted from antiretroviral intake and follow-up forms. Cox-proportional hazards regression model was fitted and Cox-Snell residual test was used to assess the goodness of fit. Tuberculosis free survival time was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Both the bi-variable and multivariable Cox-proportional hazard regression models were used to identify predictors of tuberculosis.

Results

In the final analysis, a total of 492 HIV-positive adults were included, of whom, 83 (16.9%) developed tuberculosis at the time of follow-up. This study found that the incidence of tuberculosis was 6.5 (95% CI: 5.2, 8.0) per 100-person-years (PY) of observation. Advanced World Health Organization clinical disease stage (III and IV) (AHR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 3.2), being ambulatory and bedridden (AHR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 3.1), baseline opportunistic infections (AHR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7, 4.4), low hemoglobin level (AHR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.1, 5.8), and not taking Isonized Preventive Therapy (AHR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.9, 7.6) were found to be the predictors of tuberculosis.

Conclusion

The study found that there was a high rate of tuberculosis occurrence as compared to previous studies. Baseline opportunistic infections, being ambulatory and bedridden, advanced disease stage, low hemoglobin level, and not taking Isonized Preventive Therapy were found to be the predictors of tuberculosis. Therefore, early detection and treatment of opportunistic infections like tuberculosis should get a special attention.

Tuberculosis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) are the double burden diseases of the world. The African continent takes a great share of TB-HIV cases worldwide. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection in Ethiopia, using a meta-analysis based on a systematic review of published articles.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, HINARI, EMBASE, Cochrane library and Google Scholar to extract the articles. Articles published between 1995 and November 2017 had been searched for using different keywords. The analysis was performed using MetaXL software and R statistical software (version 3.2.3).

RESULT

Our searches returned a total of (n = 26,746) records from 30 articles of which 21 were cross-sectional, 7 were retrospectives and 2 were prospective studies. The range of prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection was found to be from 6 to 52.1% with random effects pooled prevalence of 22% (95% CI 19-24%) and with substantial heterogeneity chi-square (X2) = 746.0, p < 0.001, (I2 = 95.84%).

CONCLUSION

Our analysis indicated that the prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection is high in Ethiopia with substantial regional variation. An integrated, facility-based and community-based effort towards the prevention, early detection and management of cases should be further strengthened throughout the country to mitigate the double burden disease.

The twin epidemics: Prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection and its associated factors in Ethiopia; A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS are the major public health problems in many parts of the world particularly in resource limited countries like Ethiopia. Although studies have been conducted on the prevalence and associated factors of TB / HIV co-infection in Ethiopia, there is no comprehensive data on the magnitude and risk factors at a national and regional levels. Therefore, this review is aimed to summarize the prevalence of TB /HIV co-infection in Ethiopia using meta-analysis based on a systematic review of published articles & grey literatures.

METHODS

To conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis, major databases such as Pub Med, Google scholar, CINAHL, Africa Journals Online and Google were systematically searched using search terms. PRISMA guideline was followed in the study. Two authors extracted all necessary data using a standardized data extraction format, and analysis was done using STATA version 11. A Statistical heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated by using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic. The pooled effect size was conducted in the form of prevalence and associations were measured using odds ratio. Moreover, the univariate meta regression was performed by considering the sample size to determine potential sources of heterogeneity. The Egger's weighted regression and Begg's rank correlation tests were used to assess potential publication biases.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 21 studies with a total of 12,980 participants. The pooled prevalence of TB / HIV Co-infection was 25.59% (95% CI (20.89%-30.29%). A significant association was found between low CD4 counts (OR: 3.53; 95% CI: 1.55, 8.06), advanced WHO stage (OR: 6.81; 95% CI: 3.91, 11.88) and TB/ HIV/AIDS Co-infection.

CONCLUSION

This finding revealed that the magnitude of TB /HIV co-infection in Ethiopia is increasing and deserves special attention. Low CD4 count and advanced WHO stage are contributing factors for dual infection. Establishing mechanisms such as Conducting surveillance to determine HIV burden among TB patients and TB burden among HIV patients, and intensifying the three I's (Intensive case finding, INH Preventive Therapy and Infection control) should be routine work of clinicians. Moreover, early screening & treatment should be provided to those patients with low CD4 count and advanced WHO stage.