TITLE:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Immunological Profiles among Suspected Tuberculosis Cases in Mombasa County, Kenya
AUTHORS:
Shadrack A. Yonge, Michael F. Otieno, Rekha R. Sharma, Sarah S. Nteka
KEYWORDS:
HIV Prevalence, Healthcare Seekers, Suspected TB Cases, Immunohaematological Variables
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Tuberculosis Research,
Vol.4 No.1,
March
22,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern and cause of death globally including Kenya. HIV infection is characterised by CD4+ lymphocyte depletion manifested through the loss of the immune response capacity. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and CD4+T cell counts among suspected tuberculosis (TB) cases seeking healthcare at TB clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya. Study Design: Hospital and laboratory based cross-sectional study was carried between May 2011 and November 2013 in Coast General Referral Hospital, Tudor, Port-Reitz, Mlaleo, Likoni and Mikandani districts and sub-districts hospitals. Methodology: A total of 500 suspected TB cases (271 males and 229 females) were screened for HIV infection using Trinity Biotech Uni-GoldTM test and positives confirmed with the enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. CD4+ and CD8+T cells were analyzed using a BD FACS Count flow cytometer. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data of the participants. Results: In total, 127 (25.4%) of the suspects were HIV infected 55.1% females and 44.9% males. Females were significantly affected than males (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.44 - 1.37; p = 0.042). The majority (36.2%) of the HIV cases were in the 25 - 34 years age group followed by the 35 - 44 (33.9%), 45 - 54 (16.5%) and 18 - 24 (7.1%) age groups, respectively. Widowed (AOR = 6.14; 95% CI: 1.53 - 20.54; p