Assessing the prevalence of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis among human immunodeficiency infected patients at a hospital in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Sphelele Mlambo; Nokukhanya Thembane; Ziningi Nobuhle Jaya

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2452

Authors

Sphelele Mlambo Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban
Nokukhanya Thembane Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban
Ziningi Nobuhle Jaya Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2452

Keywords:

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Coinfection, prevalence, Infectious disease implications, Immunocompromised individuals

Abstract

Introduction

The co-epidemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB), Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) pose a major health issue in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) South Africa (SA). Despite improvements in HIV care, EPTB continues to affect immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by determining the prevalence, and risk factors associated with EPTB prevalence among HIV-infected patients in KZN.

Methodology

Patient results for those tested for EPTB from January to December 2022, were examined. Key variables included demographic information including age, gender, geographic location. HIV viral load, CD4 count, and GeneXpert tuberculosis were the test results analysed. To ensure accuracy, the dataset underwent rigorous cleaning to exclude incomplete records and duplicates. Microsoft Excel 2019 facilitated descriptive and graphical analysis to illustrate trends. Spearman's correlation was used to examine associations among continuous variables, with statistical significance assessed using p-values and confidence intervals

Results

Among 609 analyzed HIV-positive patient results, 86 (14.1%) had EPTB. Most cases 382 (62.7%) originated from the uGu district, with the highest prevalence observed among males aged 40-64 years. EPTB manifestation was notably high in lymph node aspirate specimens. Additionally, detectable viral loads and moderately suppressed CD4 counts indicated advanced HIV progression, increasing susceptibility to EPTB co-infections.

Conclusion

This study shows a significant burden of EPTB among HIV-infected individuals in KZN, especially in older patients with high viral loads. Targeted interventions for early detection, screening programs, and gender-specific approaches are crucial to reducing morbidity and mortality.

Recommendation

Strengthening antiretroviral therapy programmes is essential, as effective viral suppression substantially reduces the risk of TB among people living with HIV by lowering susceptibility to infection.

Author Biographies

Sphelele Mlambo, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

is a dedicated Medical Laboratory Science student with a passion for advancing healthcare through scientific discovery. He has a strong work ethic and passion for lifelong learning and a commitment to deliver high-quality work with integrity and efficiency for the betterment of his community. Conducting this research helped him develop a strong foundation in scientific methodologies and data analysis which he is eager to apply in future research endeavours.

Nokukhanya Thembane, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

is a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technologist, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She specializes in Clinical Pathology, with a focus on therapeutic drug monitoring and drug discovery. Her work involves teaching and supervising students and conducting research to contribute to advancements in patient care in disenfranchised communities and medical laboratory science.

Ziningi Nobuhle Jaya, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

is a qualified Medical Technology, lecturing and supervising student research in the Department of Biomedical Science at Mangosuthu University of Technology. Her research focuses on investigating diverse healthcare interventions for infectious diseases mainly to respond to diverse healthcare needs of people in surrounding communities.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1053-5458

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