Visawale, V. C.Patil, S.Joshi, A.2024-09-242024-09-242023-06Visawale V. C., Patil S., Joshi A.. Assessment of HIV-TB co-infection in newly diagnosed HIV positive patients and their correlation with CD4 and viral load. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2023 Jun; 11(6): 2118-21232320-60712320-6012https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/233154Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) constitute a major burden of infectious diseases in India. TB is the most common opportunistic infection and a leading cause of death among HIV positive patients. This study was conducted to assess the HIV–TB co-infection in newly diagnosed HIV patients and correlate co-infection with CD4 and viral load (VL). Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out from January 2021 to June 2022 at ART center of a tertiary care hospital. Screening for TB was done by GeneXpert and Radiology. These patients were monitored for absolute CD4 count by flow cytometer and VL by Real time PCR. Results: Among 380 newly diagnosed HIV patients screened, 94 (24.70%) had HIV-TB coinfection. Of these, 42 (44.6%) were pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and 52 (55.3%) were extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) of 42 patients with PTB, 31 (73.80%) were microbiologically confirmed by GeneXpert whereas of 52 patients with EPTB, 33 (63.46%) were diagnosed clinically and radio-logically. Of 94 patients, only 55 patients could be followed up further at 6 months. Of 55 patients, 33 (60%) had CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 and 2 (3.6%) had baseline VL?1000 copies/ml. 46.80% patients completed their anti-tubercular treatment. Conclusions: EPTB was more as compared to PTB. Co-infection was more with low CD4 counts. Hence, CD4 test can be used as a good immunological marker in co-infection. The study highlights the need of periodic screening of newly diagnosed HIV patients for TB and their monitoring for CD4 and VL.HIVTBCD4VLGeneXpertJournal ArticleIndiaDepartment of Microbiology, Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaDepartment of Microbiology, Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaDepartment of Microbiology, Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India