Pleural tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection

Abstract

Setting: Department of internal medicine in a general hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which provides secondary care to the poor population.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with pleural tuberculosis (TB) and to compare its manifestations in HIV-negative and HIV-infected patients.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Forty-three patients with a final diagnosis of pleural TB were submitted to HIV testing (ELISA), chest X-ray, and thoracentesis for biochemical, cytological and bacteriological analysis. Pleural tissue was obtained in 36 patients for histopathological examination. PPD testing was performed in 29 patients. Whenever productive cough was present, sputum acid-fast smears and culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were performed.

Results: The HIV prevalence was high (30%). TB symptoms were similar in both groups. Atypical radiological aspects were observed in HIV-infected patients with concurrent pulmonary TB (P = 0.03). Pleural fluid, tissue aspects and PPD testing were comparable in both groups.

Conclusion: Only atypical radiographic patterns in patients with concurrent pulmonary TB were indicative of HIV infection. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is necessary for the early recognition of HIV/TB co-infection. We suggest that all patients presenting with pleural TB should be screened for anti-HIV antibodies.