Using tuberculosis suspects to identify patients eligible for antiretroviral treatment

Munthali, L., Mwaungulu, J.N., Muthali, K., Bowie, C. and Crampin, A.C. (2006) Using tuberculosis suspects to identify patients eligible for antiretroviral treatment. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 10(2), pp. 199-202. (PMID:16499261)

Abstract

Setting: A district in rural sub-Saharan Africa with a recently introduced antiretroviral (ARV) programme. The population has high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence and high tuberculosis (TB) incidence. Objective: To determine the prevalence of HIV and acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) related symptoms in people presenting with chronic cough who are not diagnosed with TB. Design: A cross-sectional survey of TB suspects. Methods: Patients with chronic cough were recruited from out-patient facilities. After standard diagnostic procedures and providing informed consent, they received counselling and testing for HIV, and were interviewed and examined with respect to staging criteria for HIV/AIDS. Suspects were followed up for 3 months after the end of the recruitment period to allow for delayed diagnosis of TB. Results: Of 145 suspects, 79% had not been diagnosed with TB by the end of the follow-up period. Of these, 108 (95%) agreed to HIV testing and 61 (56%) were HIV-positive. More than half of these were eligible for ARV treatment (Stage III or IV disease) under national programme criteria. Conclusion: Established chronic cough clinics are a useful setting for recruitment of patients to ARV clinics. Attendees should be offered HIV testing and simple clinical screening to identify those who should be referred for ARV treatment.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The study was funded by a Wellcome Trust grant, via the Malawi National Health Sciences Research Committee, to foster development of research skills among health care students in Malawi.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Crampin, Professor Mia
• Authors: Munthali, L., Mwaungulu, J.N., Muthali, K., Bowie, C., and Crampin, A.C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
• Publisher: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
• ISSN: 1027-3719
• ISSN (Online): 1815-7920