Hiv and TB Correlation
Hiv and TB Correlation
HOSPITAL
BY
SEPTEMBER 2023
DECLARATION
We hereby declare that this work is our own original work and that it has never been presented
for the fulfillment of any Bachelor degree in any institution to the best of our knowledge
Signature: ……………….Date………………………………….
Signature: ……………….Date………………………………….
Signature: ……………….Date………………………………….
Signature: ……………….Date………………………………….
I hereby confirm that this research project was prepared under my supervision and has my
approval to be presented for the examination as per the examination regulations of Mount Kenya
University
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Our sincere and profound gratitude goes to the Almighty God for His Unconditional love to us,
Our special appreciation goes to our supervisor M.s. Prisca Tanui for her valuable ideas, advice,
support, constructive and critical comments as well as her unconditional sacrifice she made
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ABSTRACT
HIV infection is a potent risk factor for tuberculosis. Not only does HIV increase the risk of
reactivating latent mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection, it also increases the risk of
rapid TB progression soon after infection or reinfection with MTB. In persons infected with
MTB only, the lifetime risk of developing TB ranges between 10% and 20%. In persons co-
infected with MTB and HIV, however the annual risk can exceed 10%. The TB burden in
countries with a generalized HIV epidemic has therefore increased rapidly over the past decade,
especially in the severely affected countries of eastern and southern Africa. Tuberculosis is one
of the most common cause of morbidity and the most common cause of death in HIV-positive
adults living in less-developed countries, yet it is preventable and treatable disease (Singh et al.,
2020). It is possible that, in addition to the increasing individual susceptibility to TB following
MTB infection, the increased burden of HIV-associated TB cases also increases MTB
transmission rates at the community level, threatening the health and survival of HIV-negative
individuals as well. In several countries HIV has been associated with epidemic outbreaks of TB,
and many of the reported outbreaks involved multidrug-resistant strains responding porly to
standard therapy (Hamada et al., 2021). The study was carried out at Thika Level 5 hospital,
Kiambu county as with the main objective was prevalence of comorbidity between HIV/AIDS
and tuberculosis among adults attending the hospital. This study used a descriptive cross-
sectional study where adults living with HIV/AIDS will be sampled using convenience sampling
technique. The specimens for malaria will be sputum specimen examined by AFB smears stained
by Ziehl-Neelsen staining, culture and the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis / Resistance to Rifampin
Assay. For HIV, blood specimen is analysed through HIV p24 antigen assay, Enzyme Linked
immunosorbent assay and confirmed by western blot. The study found out that the prevalence of
TB was found to be 25% with positive cases of TB with negative cases accounting for 75% of
study respondents. Majority of the respondents indicated that the house was poorly ventilated
(45%), 40% indicated that house they were living in was moderately ventilated with the least
(15%) indicating that their houses were excellently ventilated. Majority of the respondents
indicated that Lack of Antiretroviral Therapy was the leading risk factor of contracting TB at
35%, 30% cited a weak immune system as a risk factor of TB, with 20% arguing that
malnutrition was a risk factor of TB with least indicating that smoking was a risk factor of
contracting TB at 15%. Majority of the respondents indicated that Chamas would be good
avenues to provide education on TB & HIV/AIDS (60%), 15% indicated that workshops and
seminars would provide more education with 10% indicating that medical camps create more
awareness on the comorbidity of TB & HIV/AIDS. The study recommends that The study
recommends use of programs aimed at strengthening the gender capacity of health care
providers, HIV testing counselors and community health workers through avenues such as
occupational training materials. This would provide workers with TB prevention, screening and
treatment literacy as a routine part of their work with women, particularly in areas with high HIV
prevalence. The study recommends development of targeted interventions to address behavioral
risk factors such as smoking, which increases vulnerability to TB. They may implement anti-
smoking campaigns and provide resources for smoking cessation. The study recommends further
study on the research topic which may provide additional information on where other studies
may be referenced from.
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v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...........................................................................................................iii
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................................v
LIST OF TABLES......................................................................................................................viii
LIST OF FIGURES......................................................................................................................ix
LIST OF ABBRAVIATIONS.......................................................................................................x
CHAPTER ONE............................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background information............................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the problem...........................................................................................................3
1.3 Justification................................................................................................................................3
1.4 Objectives of the study..............................................................................................................4
1.4.1 Broad objective.......................................................................................................................4
1.4.2 Specific objective....................................................................................................................4
1.5 Research questions.....................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER TWO...........................................................................................................................5
LITERATURE REVIEW.............................................................................................................5
2.1 Epidemiology of Tuberculosis...................................................................................................5
2.2 Transmission of Tuberculosis....................................................................................................5
2.3 Pathogenesis of Tuberculosis....................................................................................................6
2.4 Laboratory Diagnosis of Tuberculosis.......................................................................................8
2.5 Prevention and Treatment..........................................................................................................9
2.6 Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS......................................................................................................9
2.7 Pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS......................................................................................................11
2.8 Laboratory diagnosis of HIV/AIDS.........................................................................................12
2.9 Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS.................................................................................13
CHAPTER THREE.....................................................................................................................15
MATERIALS AND METHODS................................................................................................15
3.1 Study Area...............................................................................................................................15
3.2 Study design.............................................................................................................................15
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3.3 Study population......................................................................................................................15
3.4 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria.............................................................................................15
3.4.1 Inclusion criteria...................................................................................................................15
3.4.2 Exclusion Criteria.................................................................................................................15
3.5 Sample size determination.......................................................................................................16
3.5 Sampling Technique................................................................................................................16
3.6 Data collection.........................................................................................................................16
3.7 Specimens................................................................................................................................17
3.8 Specimen processing and Laboratory investigation................................................................17
3.8.1 HIV diagnosis.......................................................................................................................17
3.8.2 Tuberculosis diagnosis..........................................................................................................18
3.9 Data analysis and storage.........................................................................................................19
3.10 Data presentation...................................................................................................................19
3.11 Ethical consideration.............................................................................................................19
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS...................................................................................................20
4.1 Bio Data...................................................................................................................................20
4.1.1 Gender of the Respondent....................................................................................................20
4.1.2 Residence..............................................................................................................................21
4.1.3 Education Level....................................................................................................................22
4.1.4 Family History of TB............................................................................................................23
4.2 Prevalence of TB.....................................................................................................................24
4.2.1 Cases of TB & HIV/AIDS....................................................................................................24
4.2.2 Type of Tests Done...............................................................................................................25
4.3 Risk Factors contributing to TB and HIV/AIDS.....................................................................26
4.3.1 Previously History of TB......................................................................................................26
4.3.2 House Ventilation.................................................................................................................27
4.4.3 Individual Factors of TB among HIV/AIDS Patients...........................................................28
4.5 Ways of Creating Awareness on TB & HIV/AIDS.................................................................29
4.5.1 Education on TB & HIV/AIDS............................................................................................29
4.5.2 Source of Information...........................................................................................................30
4.5.3 Possible avenues that may improve education.....................................................................31
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS............32
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5.1 Discussion................................................................................................................................32
5.2 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................34
5.3 Recommendations....................................................................................................................34
REFFERENCES..........................................................................................................................35
APPENDICES..............................................................................................................................37
Appendix I: Questionnaire.............................................................................................................37
Appendix II: Work plan................................................................................................................39
Appendix III: Budget.....................................................................................................................40
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Gender of the Respondents..............................................................................................20
Table 2: Residence of the Respondent...........................................................................................21
Table 3: Education Level...............................................................................................................22
Table 4: Family History of TB infection.......................................................................................23
Table 5: Prevalence of TB.............................................................................................................24
Table 6: Types of Tests..................................................................................................................25
Table 7: Do you have a previous history of TB.............................................................................26
Table 8: Status of the House Ventilation.......................................................................................27
Table 9: Risk Factors of TB...........................................................................................................28
Table 10: Whether one has ever received education on TB & HIV/AIDS...................................29
Table 11: Source of Information....................................................................................................30
Table 12: Possible avenues that may improve education..............................................................31
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Gender of the Respondents............................................................................................20
Figure 2: Residence of the Respondent.........................................................................................21
Figure 3: Education Level.............................................................................................................22
Figure 4: Family History of TB.....................................................................................................23
Figure 5: Prevalence of TB............................................................................................................24
Figure 6: Types of Tests................................................................................................................25
Figure 7: Previously History of TB...............................................................................................26
Figure 8: Status of House Ventilation...........................................................................................27
Figure 9: Risk Factors of TB.........................................................................................................28
Figure 10: Whether one has ever received education on TB & HIV/AIDS..................................29
Figure 11: Source of Information..................................................................................................30
Figure 12: Possible avenues that may improve education.............................................................31
x
LIST OF ABBRAVIATIONS
TB………………Tuberculosis
POC……………Point Of Care
CDC -Center for Disease Control and prevention
WHO - World Health Organization
PLHIV -People Living With HIV
ELISA -Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
EIAs -Enzyme Immunosorbent Assays
WE -Western Blot
ART - Antiretroviral Therapy
MTB - Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
IRIS - Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
TST - TB Skin Test
AFB -Acid-Fast Bacillus
ZN - Ziehl-Neelsen
NAA - Direct Nucleic Acid Amplification
DST - Drug Susceptibility Testing
BCG - Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
RIF - Resistance to Rifampin
MTBC - Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex
PMTCT - Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission
HAART - Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
OIs - Opportunistic Infections
HIV -Human Immunodeficiency Virus
AIDS -Acquired Immune deficiency syndrome
M-BOVIS- myco-bacterium bovis
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
(MTB). Most cases of human tuberculosis are caused by the human tubercle bacillus,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but in countries where cattle tuberculosis still occurs human
tuberculosis is also caused by M bovis. In addition, some cases, principally in equatorial Africa,
are caused by a rather heterogeneous group of strains termed M africanum. Though bearing
separate species names, these are really members of a single species often termed the M
tuberculosis complex. Infection usually occurs by inhaling small droplets of cough aerosol, about
infected milk and the primary lesions occur in the pharynx or intestine. Rarely, infection occurs
by traumatic inoculation of bacilli into the skin, particularly in butchers and others handling the
Tuberculosis and HIV are strongly linked. Whereas people with healthy immune systems may
not fall ill from latent TB infection, people living with HIV with a low CD4 count are much
more susceptible to active TB. In fact, the risk of developing active TB is estimated to be 20
times greater in people living with HIV than in people who are HIV-negative ( Olarewaju et al.,
2023). In 2017, 10 million people developed active TB, 9% of whom were also living with HIV.
Around one-third of the 36.9 million people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide are co-
infected with TB. Sub-Saharan Africa is the hardest hit region, as it is home 70% of all people
1
In 2014, TB surpassed HIV as the world’s leading infectious disease killer, a worrying tread for
an illness that is essentially treatable and curable. In 2017, 1.3 million people died from TB, and
an additional 300,000 TB-related deaths occurred among people living with HIV. It remains the
leading cause of death among people living with HIV (Nyasulu et al., 2021).
Globally, the proportion of people with HIV/TB co-infection who died during treatment in 2017
was 11%, about three times the level among other people with TB (4%). Progress on reducing
TB-related deaths among people living with HIV is being made, as the number of deaths
declined by 100,000 between 2015 and 2017, mainly due to the rapid expansion of antiretroviral
HIV treatment (Nyasulu et al., 2021). The 2016 United Nations Political Declaration on Ending
AIDS includes a goal to reduce TB-related deaths among people living with HIV by 75% by
2020. In addition, all countries belonging to WHO and the United Nations have committed to
ending TB as a public health problem by 2030. To reach this goal, TB deaths must reduce by
90% and incidence of active TB by 80% from 2015 levels. However, progress towards ending
TB is slow, and persistent gaps in preventing, diagnosing and treating TB remains (Shah et al.,
2022).
Kenya ranks 13 of 22 countries with high tuberculosis burden. Based on the first Kenya AIDS
Indicator Survey (KAIS 2007), the population prevalence of HIV infection was 7.1% among
adults and adolescents aged 15-64 years, indicating that Kenya ranked fourth in the world in
number of people living with HIV. The HIV prevalence in tuberculosis patients in Kenya in 2011
was 39%. Implementation of integrated tuberculosis and HIV services has improved
progressively with uptake of HIV testing in tuberculosis clinics increasing from 60% in 2006 to
2
1.2 Statement of the problem
Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common opportunistic infection among people living with human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) globally. WHO estimated that around one-third of the 36.9
million people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide are co-infected with TB. Sub-Saharan
Africa is the hardest hit region, as it is home 70% of all people living with HIV/TB co-infection
interactions between antiretroviral therapy (ART) agents and anti-TB medications, particularly
rifampin and other rifamycins, a class of drugs that are an essential component of anti-TB
regimens. Potential problems resulting from co-administration of anti-TB therapy and HIV can
include: treatment failure or relapse, drug-induced liver injury, cutaneous adverse drug reactions,
al., 2021). Despite this, research have been carried out on tuberculosis and HIV but no research
have determined association between HIV and tuberculosis among adults at Thika Level 5
hospital.
1.3 Justification
The research on the association between HIV and tuberculosis is very important and necessary so
HIV coinfection is the most important risk factor to develop active TB, which dramatically
increases the susceptibility to the primary infection, or reinfection and also the risk of TB
reactivation for patient with latent M. tuberculosis infection (Shah et al., 2022). The result of this
study will therefore help in designing appropriate intervention programs including prevention
3
and management of patients with HIV-associated TB which includes provision of effective anti-
To determine the association between HIV and tuberculosis among adults attending Thika Level
5 hospital.
i. To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis in adult patients infected with HIV at Thika
ii. To determine the risk of contracting tuberculosis among patients infected with HIV
iii. To create awareness for the presence of tuberculosis among adults infected with HIV
i. What was the prevalence of tuberculosis among adult patients infected with HIV at Thika
ii. What is the risk of contracting tuberculosis among patients infected with HIV infection at
iii. How to create awareness for the presence of tuberculosis among adults infected with HIV
LITERATURE REVIEW
Tuberculosis remains a global threat to public health and is the leading cause of death by a single
infectious agent with 1.6 million deaths in 2017. An estimate of 10 million people developed TB
disease in 2017 but only 6.4 million (61%) were notified (Singh et al., 2020). According to the
WHO, globally in 2012 there were an estimated 8.6 million new cases of active tuberculosis and
1.3 million deaths; therefore there is one new TB case every 4 seconds and more than two TB
deaths every minute. Twenty-two high-burden countries account for 80% of all TB cases, with
India and China alone contributing almost 40% (26 and 12 respectively). The TB incidence per
100,000 varies dramatically, from less than 10 per 100,000 in develop countries such as Japan,
Western Europe and Australia, to rates exceeding 1000 per 100,000 in South Africa and
Kenya conducted the last national TB prevalence survey in 1958 and has relied on estimates
from WHO to extrapolate TB incidence and case detecting rates. At that time, the prevalence of
TB was 3,142 per 100,000 population. In 2015, the county’s pre-TB prevalence survey incidence
of TB was 233 per 100,000 while the country was estimated to detect 80% of all TB cases
spread). Mycobacteria-laden droplet nuclei are formed when a patient with active pulmonary TB
5
coughs and can remain suspended in the air for several hours. Sneezing or singing may also
expel bacilli. Factors influencing the chance of transmission include the bacillary load of the
source case (sputum smear-positive or lung cavities on chest radiograph), as well as the
proximity and duration of exposure (Olarewaju et al., 2023). Transmission is dramatically and
rapidly reduced with effective treatment (Singh et al., 2020). In general, the risk of infection
For reasons not clearly understood, the majority of individuals infected with M.
individual may have one of the following outcomes: (1) fail to register an infection, (2) become
infected but then clear the infection, (3) successfully contain the infection but continue to
harbour bacilli in the absence of symptomatic disease (latent TB infection), or (4) develop
progressive TB disease (Hamada et al., 2021). It has been estimated that one-third of the world
population have latent TB infection and may be at risk to develop TB disease as they age, or
infection in the absence of overt immune suppression are not well understood, but the huge
The cycle of TB infection begins with dispersion of M. tuberculosis aerosols. A dose of one to
10 bacilli are dispersed throughout the air, making the risk of transmission likely. In the patient’s
lung, the bacilli are phagocytized by alveolar macrophage cells, which then invade the
underlying epithelium. Here, monocytes from nearby blood vessels form the beginning of a
6
granuloma, as the immune system attempts to ward off the disease. This is a hallmark
characteristic of tuberculosis.
mononuclear phagocytes, and lymphocytes. The result is a fibrous capsule with increased foamy
macrophages, presumed to create the typical caseous debris (necrotic tissue resembling cheese)
in the center of the granuloma. Although it appears contained immunologically, the caseous
center tends to liquefy and cavitate as it empties thousands of M. tuberculosis bacilli into the
airway (Singh et al., 2020). The cycle is complete as the damaged lungs produce a cough that,
Infected macrophages may be carried by the lymphatic system to the lungs, lymph nodes,
kidneys, epiphyses of the long bones, and other areas of the body. Infected macrophages may
also be carried in the blood of an immunocompromised host. After three to eight weeks, despite
widespread infection, there are no immediate symptoms or signs other than a positive TB skin
test (TST). In children, the elderly, non-white races, and AIDS patients, the disease progresses
quickly to pneumonia from hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes to cavitation in the bronchi. It is
here that the distribution of caseous material occurs, such as in acute miliary TB (disseminated
disease) or TB meningitis, particularly in children. Patients infected at ages over 30 years and
less than 65 years have a better prognosis compared to children, adolescents, young adults, and
the elderly because they have a lower risk of tissue necrosis (Hamada et al., 2021).
In general, hypersensitivity develops during the three-to-eight week period after infection,
signaling the action of cellular immunity and control of the infection. At this time, a skin test
reaction will be positive indicating latent infection exists. However, as previously stated, in high
7
risk groups, progression of disease to cavitation in the lung and hematogenous dissemination are
likely to occur.
Smear AFB Microscopy-The sputum specimens are smeared directly onto the slides (direct
smears) and subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining (Expert Rev Anti Infection Ther.2007).
The sensitivity of conventional microscopy ranged from 32 to 94% and that the sensitivity of
fluorescence microscopy ranged from 52 to 97%, with the fluorescent method being on average
10% more sensitive than light microscopy (Röltgen et al., 2021). For HIV-positive patients, two
studies reported between 26 and 100% increases in the detection of AFB using fluorescence
identification of the MTBC strain and drug susceptibility testing (DST) (Röltgen et al., 2021).
Direct nucleic acid amplification (NAA) testing of diagnostic specimens can reduce the overall
turnaround time for the laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis by at least 2 to 4 weeks compared to
than AFB smear microscopy for the detection of M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis will grow
aerobically on a protein enriched medium, e.g. Lowenstein Jensen egg medium. The optimal
temperature for growth is 35–37 ºC. The organism is slow-growing. When cultured on
Lowenstein Jensen medium at 35–37 ºC, M. tuberculosis produces raised, dry cream (buff )
coloured colonies. Visible colonies are usually produced 2–3 weeks after incubation, but cultures
should be incubated for up to 6 weeks before being discarded (Röltgen et al., 2021).
Serology-These technologies are very attractive candidates for the simple, accurate, inexpensive,
and, ideally, point-of-care (POC) diagnosis of TB. The Xpert MTB/RIF Assay-is a new test that
8
is revolutionizing tuberculosis control by contributing to rapid diagnosis of TB and drug
resistance. The test simultaneously detects mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and
resistance to rifampin (RIF) in less than 2 hours. X‐ray also has a role for diagnosing TB if smear
–ve
Preventing Latent TB Infection from Progressing to TB Disease-Many people who have latent
TB infection never develop TB disease. But some people who have latent TB infection are more
likely to develop TB disease than others (CDC, 2016). Preventing Exposure to TB Disease-
should avoid close contact or prolonged time with known TB patients in crowded, enclosed
environments (for example, clinics, hospitals, prisons, or homeless shelters) (CDC, 2016). Finish
your entire course of medication-this is the most important step you can take to protect yourself
and others from tuberculosis. When you stop treatment early or skip doses, TB bacteria have a
chance to develop mutations that allow them to survive the most potent TB drugs. The resulting
drug-resistant strains are much more deadly and difficult to treat (Longo DL, et al, 2015).
Vaccinations-in countries where tuberculosis is more common, infants often are vaccinated with
bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine because it can prevent severe tuberculosis in children.
Protect your family and friends-If you have active TB, stay home, ventilate the room, cover your
The HIV epidemic has shifted over the past 30 years, from the first reported cases in the early
1980s, to an estimated high of 3.7 million new infections in 1997, to declining new infections
and AIDS-related mortality throughout the 2000s. In 2012, approximately 9.7 million people in
low- and middle-income countries were on antiretroviral drugs (ART).This expansion of ART
9
coverage has dramatically improved survival among people living with HIV (PLHIV), resulting
2012 .Increased access to ART has averted an estimated 5.2 million AIDS-related deaths in low-
and middle-income countries from 1995 to 2010, with a 28% reduction in deaths from 2006 to
2012 .Even as PLHIV live longer, the incidence of new infections continues to decline. An
estimated 2.3 million new HIV infections occurred in 2012, which is a 34% decrease from
2000. Overall incidence rate for adults 15 to 49 years of age reached a peak of 0.11% in 1997
and decreased to 0.05% in 2012.The greatest decrease in HIV incidence is among children,
which has been reduced by 52% in 10 years. Many reasons exist for this decrease in incidence,
focusing on safer sex and outreach to high-risk populations (Olarewaju et al., 2023).
HIV prevalence and incidence estimates in many developing countries, including those in sub-
Saharan Africa, are derived using statistical models based primarily on either sentinel surveys
among pregnant women or household surveys. Overall trends in HIV epidemiology show fewer
new infections and decreased AIDS-related mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. From 2000 to 2012,
HIV incidence among adults in sub-Saharan Africa decreased by more than half, corresponding
to an estimated 1 million fewer new HIV infections in 2012 compared with 2000. The concurrent
increase in estimated number of PLHIV, from 20.8 million in 2000 to 25 million in 2012, is
largely from improved survival because of ART; AIDS-related deaths have decreased from
approximately 1.4 million in 2000 to 1.2 million in 2012. Evidence suggests that access to ART
has reduced mortality rates and contributed to lower infection rates, resulting in slowly
10
increasing HIV prevalence in most countries, with the notable exception of Angola, where new
HIV continues to be a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where an estimated
22 million people are living with HIV. In a population of 40 million in Kenya, 1.6 million people
of all ages were living with HIV in 2012 and an estimated 98,000 of these had acquired HIV
infection within the preceding year, making Kenya’s HIV epidemic the fourth largest
worldwide. For this reason, Kenya has been regarded globally as a priority country in sub-
Saharan Africa to reverse the spread of HIV in the region (Nyasulu et al., 2021).
There are several viral and host factors determining the variability in HIV-1 infection outcome
and in rates of disease progression in HIV-1 infected individuals. Cellular tropism which defines
viral phenotype and receptorcoreceptors which determine viral entry into various cell types are
the major factors influencing HIV pathogenesis (Olarewaju et al., 2023). Despite the intense
research for the last 25 years, the exact mechanism of how these factors contribute to the
dramatic loss of CD4+ T cells and the persistence of R5 and X4 strains during the AIDS status is
Infection with HIV starts without symptoms or ill-feeling and is accompanied by slight changes
in the immune system. This stage spans up to three months after infection until seroconversion
where HIV-specific antibodies can be detected in individuals following recent exposure. The
outcome of infection and duration for disease progression with clinical symptoms may vary
greatly between individuals, but often it progresses fairly slowly. It takes several years from
11
primary infection to the development of symptoms of advanced HIV diseases and
immunosuppression.
During primary infection, although individuals may look healthy, the virus is actively replicating
in the lymph nodes and blood stream of infected individuals. As a result, the immune system
may get slowly damaged by the burst of viral load in their bodies (Nyasulu et al., 2021).
Symptomatic stage of disease indicates the late phase of HIV disease (AIDS) where individuals
toxoplasmosis and candidiasis (J Med Liban.2006). It is agreed that infected individuals develop
an AIDS status when their plasma HIV load is high and the CD4+ T count is less than 200 mm.
The availability of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may question the dilemma
One mechanism HIV weakens the immune system is by infecting and destroying CD4+ T cells,
which in turn leads to immunodeficiency at later stage of disease. 5 HIV attaches to the CD4+
protein on the surface of these and other cells to gain entry. However, the presence of CD4+
molecules alone proves to be not enough to allow viral entry into other cell types such as
monocytes and dendritic cells. Therefore, a second doorway is needed for the virus to gain
access to infect cells. This led to the discovery of the chemokine receptor as essential coreceptors
for HIV-1. There are different types of these coreceptors for different cell types that HIV variants
can use for infection of cells. Two main chemokine receptors have been identified to play a
major role in HIV entry, CCR5 and CXCR4 (or fusin) (Nyasulu et al., 2021).
12
2.8 Laboratory diagnosis of HIV/AIDS
Serological testing- Antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 are detected by EIA, also known as enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), simple/rapid test devices, and western blot (WB) tests
Rapid test device- Rapid HIV assays can be based on several test formats; these tests are
designed for use with individual specimens, and are quick and easy to perform, making them
more cost-effective than EIAs in low-throughput laboratories. They can be used with
Immunoassay- Most EIAs have a high sensitivity and specificity, and are able to detect
Western blotting- This is a very sensitive blood test used to confirm a positive ELISA test result.
(WHO, 2010).
HIV RNA assays- detect HIV viral RNA in venous/capillary whole blood dried on filter paper
and plasma using a variety of methodologies. These include RT-PCR, b-DNA, TMA and
PCR-Qualitative HIV DNA PCR is currently widely used as the standard method for diagnosis
of HIV infection in infants and is the assay against which other assays are usually compared in
Ultrasensitive p24 antigen-based testing- p24 Ag assays measure the HIV core protein p24 found
in whole blood, serum or plasma, either in free form or bound by anti-p24 antibody (WHO,
2020).
13
Saliva Tests- a cotton pad is used to obtain saliva from the inside of your cheek. The pad is
placed in a vial and submitted to a laboratory for testing. Results are available in three days.
Successful HIV prevention strategies include the development and effective use of highly
sensitive and specific HIV screening tests, which have virtually eliminated infection from the
blood supply in the developed world and in most parts of the developing world (WHO 2020). In
addition, the administration of a short course of nevirapine to mothers during labor and to
47 percent (Guay and others 1999). However, recent data suggest that such short-term successes
may be at the expense of resistance and viral failure once treatment is introduced after delivery
Treatment as prevention (TasP) refers to taking HIV medication to prevent the sexual
transmission of HIV. It is one of the highly effective options for preventing HIV transmission.
People living with HIV who take HIV medication daily as prescribed and get and keep an
undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting HIV to their HIV-
Taking post-exposure prophylaxis when person have been exposure to HIV (HIV.gov, 2020).
Taking HIV Medication to Stay Healthy and Prevent Transmission. If you have HIV, it is
important to start treatment with HIV medication (called antiretroviral therapy or ART) as soon
as possible after your diagnosis. If taken every day, exactly as prescribed, HIV medication can
14
reduce the amount of HIV in your blood (also called the viral load) to a very low level. This is
called viral suppression. It is called viral suppression because HIV medication prevents the virus
from growing in your body and keeps the virus very low or “suppressed.” Viral suppression
15
CHAPTER THREE
The study was carried out in Kiambu County at Thika Level 5 hospital, located at Thika town.
This hospital has many departments including laboratories, surgery, nursing casualty,
comprehensive care center, mortuary, physiotherapy and many others hence it is also a center for
learning and research for many students and staffs. It is thus best suitable place for conducting
this study.
This research employed a cross-sectional descriptive study design and it was the most
appropriate because of the short time frame of the study and to estimate a population parameter
The study targeted adults living with HIV/AIDS, seeking laboratory investigation for
mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria at Thika Level 5 hospital laboratories during the study
The study included adults living with HIV/AIDS, seeking laboratory investigation for MTB
bacteria at Thika Level 5 hospital laboratories, who consented to take part in the study
16
3.4.2 Exclusion Criteria
The sample size was calculated using the Fischer’s formula of the year 2004 (Fischer etal.2004)
n= z2pq/d2
Where;
δ = Absolute error between the estimated and true population prevalence of TB of 5%.
N = 1.962α/2 0.267(1-0.276)
0.052
=35 patients.
Adjusted for 20% incomplete data, the sample size was 40.
A convenience sampling technique will be used where by researcher simply picks those who
Physical examination for HIV/AIDS and TB was performed. Interviews were conducted to
adults living with HIV/AIDS so as to obtain information about the background characteristics of
17
their past and present illness. The interview were also conducted to reveal any history of chronic
illnesses, any opportunistic infections, whether they are on medication (ARVs) or not, and their
occupation.
3.7 Specimens
Persons suspected of having TB of the lungs or larynx should have at least three sputum
Persons suspected of having HIV, serological assays for venous/capillary whole blood and oral
fluid specimens have now have been developed and make POC HIV testing feasible using rapid
test devices. Serological testing by the EIA format is designed for use on serum or plasma
specimens, which requires preparation of the specimen from whole blood and use of reagents
Antibodies to HIV proteins may be detected by various methodologies; the current standards are
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for screening and Western blot (WB) for
confirmation. Other acceptable methodologies are particle cell agglutination for screening, and
HIV p24 antigen assay-The p24 protein is a product of the gag gene and resides in the viral core.
Prior to the availability of viral load testing, p24 will be used for monitoring disease activity as
well as diagnosis. It is specific as a diagnostic test but falls short on sensitivity, as a negative test
18
Saliva Tests A cotton pad is used to obtain saliva from the inside of your cheek. The pad is
placed in a vial and submitted to a laboratory for testing (Stanford healthcare, 2023).
Viral Load Test This test measures the amount of HIV in your blood. Generally, it's used to
The Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) or the TB blood test can be used to test for M.
tuberculosis infection. Additional tests are required to confirm TB disease. The Mantoux
tuberculin skin test is performed by injecting a small amount of fluid called tuberculin into the
skin in the lower part of the arm. The test is read within 48 to 72 hours by a trained health care
Blood tests may be used to confirm or rule out latent or active tuberculosis. These tests use
A posterior-anterior chest radiograph is used to detect chest abnormalities. Lesions may appear
anywhere in the lungs and may differ in size, shape, density, and cavitation. These abnormalities
The presence of acid-fast-bacilli (AFB) on a sputum smear or other specimen often indicates TB
disease. Acid-fast microscopy is easy and quick, but it does not confirm a diagnosis of TB
Culture is done on all initial samples to confirm the TB diagnosis. A positive culture for M.
For all patients, the initial M. tuberculosis isolate should be tested for drug resistance
19
3.9 Data analysis and storage
The data obtained was analyzed using computer Microsoft excel and the results stored in flash
The data was analyzed in percentages and presented in tables, pie charts and bar graphs.
Authorization for the study was sought from Mount Kenya University review board and
permission to conduct the study obtained from Thika Level 5 hospital authorities.
The study and interviews were conducted on the adults living with HIV/AIDS who consented to
the study. The confidentiality, comfort and safety of the patient was highly maintained and the
20
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS
Male 16 40%
Female 24 60%
Total 40 100%
40%
Male
Female
60%
Majority of the respondents interviewed were females (60%) with the males accounting for 40%.
21
4.1.2 Residence
Rural 10 25%
Urban 16 40%
Peri-urban 14 35%
Total 40 100%
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Rural Urban Peri-urban
Majority of the respondent resided in an urban setting (40%), followed by those from a peri-
urban setting (35%), with the least being those from the rural setting at 25%.
22
4.1.3 Education Level
Primary 12 30%
Secondary 10 25%
Tertiary 7 17%
Total 40 100%
Education Level
Majority of the respondents had attained primary education (30%), 28% had no formal
education, 25% of the respondents had attained secondary education with only 17% having
23
4.1.4 Family History of TB
Yes 22 55%
No 18 45%
Total 40 100%
25
20
15
10
0
Yes No
Majority of the respondents indicated that there was a family history of TB at 55%, with 45%
24
4.2 Prevalence of TB
Table 5: Prevalence of TB
Total 40 100%
Figure 5: Prevalence of TB
Prevalence of TB
25%
Positive Case of TB
Negative Case of TB
75%
The prevalence of TB was found to be 25% with positive cases of TB with negative cases
25
4.2.2 Type of Tests Done
Serology 4 10%
Total 40 100%
Types of Tests
30
25
20
15
10
0
Smear AFB Direct Nucleic Acid Serology I don’t Know
Microscopy Amplification
Majority of the respondents indicated that the TB test done was Smear AFB Microscopy (65%),
20% did not know the type of test done, 10% indicated that a serology was done with 5%
indicating that Direct Nucleic Acid Amplification was the test done.
26
4.3 Risk Factors contributing to TB and HIV/AIDS
Yes 16 40%
No 24 60%
Total 40 100%
Previously History of TB
40%
Yes
No
60%
Majority of the respondents indicated that they did not have previous history of TB (60%), while
27
4.3.2 House Ventilation
Total 40 100%
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Poorly Ventilated Moderately Ventilated Excellently Ventilated
Majority of the respondents indicated that the house was poorly ventilated (45%), 40% indicated
that house they were living in was moderately ventilated with the least (15%) indicating that
28
4.4.3 Individual Factors of TB among HIV/AIDS Patients
Smoking 6 15%
Malnutrition 8 20%
Total 40 100%
Risk Factors of TB
20% 15%
Smoking
Lack of Antiretroviral
Therapy
Weak Immune System
35% Malnutrition
30%
Majority of the respondents indicated that Lack of Antiretroviral Therapy was the leading risk
factor of contracting TB at 35%, 30% cited a weak immune system as a risk factor of TB, with
20% arguing that malnutrition was a risk factor of TB with least indicating that smoking was a
29
4.5 Ways of Creating Awareness on TB & HIV/AIDS
Table 10: Whether one has ever received education on TB & HIV/AIDS
TB & HIV/AIDS
Yes 18 45%
No 22 55%
Total 40 100%
Figure 10: Whether one has ever received education on TB & HIV/AIDS
25
20
15
10
0
Yes No
Majority of the respondents indicated that they had never received education on TB &
HIV/AIDS (55%) with 45% indicated that they had received education on TB & HIV/AIDS.
Total 18 100%
Source of Information
11%
11% 33% Community Health Volunteer
Social Media
Hospital Clinic
From Friends
44%
Majority of the respondents indicated that they learnt of TB & HIV/AIDS through social media
(45%), 33% learnt from the Community health volunteers, 11% indicated they learnt from the
31
Workshops 6 15%
Seminars 6 15%
Chamas 24 60%
Total 40 100%
25
20
15
10
0
Workshops Seminars Medical Camps Chamas
Majority of the respondents indicated that Chamas would be good avenues to provide education
on TB & HIV/AIDS (60%), 15% indicated that workshops and seminars would provide more
education with 10% indicating that medical camps create more awareness on the comorbidity of
TB & HIV/AIDS.
32
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Discussion
The study found out that females had more incidences of TB among HIV patients than the male
gender. Although some studies have postulated men to be more vulnerable to TB than women
due to their behavioral characteristics such as smoking tobacco they agree that there have been
recorded more TB cases among females than males. These studies have documented that women
with pulmonary TB have different symptoms from men and may not test positive on microscopic
examination of the sputum, or that TB lung lesions might not be as severe in women as in men,
resulting in women not being accurately diagnosed. The findings of this study are also consistent
with the findings of another study which found out that women co-infected with TB and HIV are
significantly more likely to die of TB than are co-infected men. This is particularly the case for
women in Africa, where some studies have found that HIV-associated TB deaths among HIV/TB
The study found a positive correlation between the residence and education level with the TB &
HIV/AIDS among the residents. Urban areas often have higher population density and can be
more susceptible to the rapid spread of infectious diseases like TB due to close living quarters,
limited access to healthcare in certain urban pockets, and higher rates of migration. However,
urban areas usually have better healthcare facilities and a higher level of awareness, which can
lead to early diagnosis and treatment. Urban areas, especially in developing countries, may have
higher rates of HIV/AIDS due to factors such as a higher prevalence of risky behaviors, limited
implementing effective prevention programs. Research indicates that peri-urban areas often face
limited access to healthcare facilities, poor sanitation, and overcrowded living conditions
33
contribute to the prevalence of TB. Lack of awareness and education further worsens the issue.
This is consistent to the findings of another study which revealed that low education levels have
been consistently associated with higher rates of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS (Tok et al.,
2020).
The study also found that for the positive cases identified there was a family history of TB. This
holds that a family member with a history of TB does increase the risk of exposure to the
bacteria, especially in households where there is close and prolonged contact with the infected
individual. In such cases, family members might have a higher likelihood of contracting TB, but
this is due to exposure rather than a genetic link causing reinfection. The study found a
comorbidity prevalence of 25% which is consistent to the findings of Kimenye (2020) who found
a prevalence of 26% among adults in Kenya. The most common TB test done in the facility was
Smear Test. With regards to the risk factors the study found out that the ventilation status of the
This is consistent to the findings Lee et al., (2022) Improper ventilation, resulting from no
windows, kaccha housing, living on the lower floors of high-rise buildings, and overcrowding, is
associated with disease transmission and increases the incidence of TB by prolonging the time
that TB bacilli droplets remain suspended in indoor air. In addition lack of Antiretroviral
Therapy, a weak immune system, smoking and malnutrition were also found to be risk factors of
TB. The study also sought whether enough awareness was created among patients living with TB
and HIV/AIDS where majority of the patients argued that they had not received education on
HIV/AIDS with some indicating that they had learnt through social media, community health
workers and hospital clinics. This implies that there is a need to create more awareness on TB
34
and HIV/AIDS on the symptoms, prevention and treatment. The main avenues where this
information may be availed to the public included workshops, seminars and Chamas.
5.2 Conclusion
TB/HIV is the most common comorbidity which still carries high mortality and morbidity
worldwide. Although most of the studies focused on the causes of HIV/AIDS and TB separately
few studies have focused on the co-existence of both ailments. There is therefore a need to
address the causes of the comorbidity, prevention strategies and measures that may help reduce
5.3 Recommendations
The study recommends use of programs aimed at strengthening the gender capacity of health
care providers, HIV testing counselors and community health workers through avenues such as
occupational training materials. This would provide workers with TB prevention, screening and
treatment literacy as a routine part of their work with women, particularly in areas with high HIV
prevalence.
The study recommends development of targeted interventions to address behavioral risk factors
such as smoking, which increases vulnerability to TB. They may implement anti-smoking
35
REFFERENCES
36
Tok, P. S. K., Liew, S. M., Wong, L. P., Razali, A., Loganathan, T., Chinna, K., ... & Kadir, N.
A. (2020). Determinants of unsuccessful treatment outcomes and mortality among
tuberculosis patients in Malaysia: A registry-based cohort study. PloS one, 15(4),
e0231986.
Waller, K. M., Leong, R. W., & Paramsothy, S. (2022). An update on fecal microbiota
transplantation for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Journal of gastroenterology
and hepatology, 37(2), 246-255.
WHO (2020) World Health Organization.
37
APPENDICES
Appendix I: Questionnaire
Bio Data
1. Gender?
Male ( ) Female ( )
2. Where do you live
Rural ( )
Peri-urban ( )
Urban ( )
3. What is your education Level
Primary ( )
Secondary ( )
Tertiary ( )
No formal Education ( )
Prevalence of TB among HIV/AIDS patients
4. Is there a family history of TB?
Yes ( ) No ( )
5. Infected with TB & HIV/AIDS?
Yes ( ) No ( )
6. What type of tests were done for TB?
Smear AFB Microscopy ( )
Direct Nucleic Acid Amplification ( )
Serology ( )
Risk Factors of TB among patients with HIV/AIDS
7. Did you have a previous TB infection?
Yes ( ) No ( )
8. What is the ventilation status of your house?
38
Poorly Ventilated ( )
Moderately Ventilated ( )
Well Ventilated ( )
9. Which of the following do you believe are the risk factors of TB among HIV/AIDS
patients?
Smoking ( )
Lack of Antiretroviral Therapy ( )
Weak Immune System ( )
Malnutrition ( )
Creating Awareness
10. Have you ever received any education on TB infection among H/V/AIDS Patients?
Yes ( ) No ( )
Community Health Volunteers ( )
Social Media ( )
Hospital Clinics ( )
From a friend ( )
11. Which avenues do you believe can create more awareness on TB and HIV/AIDs
education?
Workshops ( )
Seminars ( )
Medical Camps ( )
Chamas ( )
39
Appendix II: Work plan
MONTH ACTIVITY
November 2023 Presenting the project and submitting the project print out
40
Appendix III: Budget
Ball pens 3 @ 25 75
HB pencils 2 @15 30
Browsing - - 400
miscellaneous - - 325
TOTAL 3550
41