Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV have been closely linked since the emergence of AIDS. Worldwide, TB is the most common opportunistic infection affecting HIV–seropositive individuals. HIV infection has contributed to a significant increase in the worldwide incidence of TB.Manifestations of Tuberculosis differ in patients who are HIV seropositive.

Objective

To study the Epidemiology of Tuberculosis among HIV positive individuals seeking treatment from a Tertiary Care Centre.

Methodology

A descriptive cross sectional study was done among 396 HIV/AIDS patients who were under treatment in the infectious disease department of a Tertiary care centre. All these patients were screened for Tuberculosis as soon as the diagnosis of HIV was made. Data was analysed.

Results

A total of 396 HIV positive patients were treated at the centre during the study period. 150 (37.87 %) of them were diagnosed with Tuberculosis during the study period.Majority of the study subjects 351 (88.66%) were between the age group of 25–49 years. Odds of occurrence of TB in HIV positive males was found to be 4.55 (95% CI = 2.71–7.61) times than that of females. Out of 150 Tuberculosis cases 76 (50.66 %) had Extra pulmonary Tuberculosis. TB lymphadenitis was found to be the most common extra pulmonary TB.

Conclusion

High proportion of extra pulmonary Tuberculosis among the seropositive HIV cases underscores the urgent need for strategies that lead to rapid identification and treatment of this co infection.