SOCIO DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TB MENINGITIS AMONG HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Infection with HIV is associated with increased risk of activation of latent infection of Tuberculosis.. Furthermore, TB Meningitis have found that co-infection with HIV is associated with an increased risk of mortality. The present study was done with the objective of exploring socio demographic and clinical factors associated with TB Meningitis among HIV positive patients.

Methodology: The present study was done among Patients Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) admitted patients in medicine department. Records of all HIV positive patients diagnosed with TB meningitis during the study period of one year were obtained. Records of presenting symptoms, Socio-demographic variables, all laboratory investigations including CD4 count, past history of TB and outcome of past TB of these patients were recorded in separate case record sheet and evaluated further for the study.

Results: Maximum of patients (33.33%) were from age group of 31 to 40 years. Males were common among study participants. Previous history of Tuberculosis is important for the patients with TB meningitis in HIV patients. Mean CD 4 count in participants was 140 cells/μL. More than 70% patients of TBM had the CD4 count less than 200 cells/microL. Risk of TBM increased with CD4 count less than 200 cells/microL.

Conclusion: TB Meningitis is mostly affecting HIV patients from age group of 21 to 40 years. Males are commonly affected. Previous history of Tuberculosis is important for the patients with TB meningitis in HIV patients. For TB meningitis patients fever, headache and altered sensorium are common presenting symptom.