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A cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis (TB) in a group of Zambians at high risk of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and to examine the effect of HIV-1 infection on the tuberculin response was conducted in the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia during July to September 1990. Patients were selected from those presenting to the out-patient clinic for first referral with either sexually transmitted or skin disease. 268 adults were included in the study; 158 (59%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 53-65%) were HIV-1 antibody positive. Of 82 HIV-1 negative participants who returned for Mantoux skin test reading, 51 (62%; 95% CI = 57-67%) had a positive test reaction (diameter > or = 10 mm) after receiving 2 units of RT-23 tuberculin. Of 106 HIV-1 positive participants who returned, only 32 (30%; 95% CI = 26-34%) had a diameter > or = 10 mm. Nine (28%) of the HIV-1 positive and Mantoux positive participants had large reactions > or = 30 mm, compared to 4 (8%) of the HIV-1 negative, Mantoux positive participants (P = 0.03). Results in the HIV-1 negative group indicated a prevalence of latent TB of 62% in this population. HIV-1 infection was associated with a much higher frequency of negative response to tuberculin and with a few large skin test responses. Thus, in populations where HIV seropositivity is high, Mantoux skin tests cannot be used to assess those with latent TB who might benefit from chemoprophylaxis.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/0035-9203(95)90649-5

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg

Publication Date

01/1995

Volume

89

Pages

37 - 40

Keywords

Africa, Africa South Of The Sahara, Biology, Dermatological Effects, Developing Countries, Diseases, Eastern Africa, English Speaking Africa, Examinations And Diagnoses, Hiv Infections, Hiv Serodiagnosis, Infections, Laboratory Examinations And Diagnoses, Physiology, Reproductive Tract Infections, Research Report, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Tuberculosis, Viral Diseases, Zambia, AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, HIV Seropositivity, HIV-1, Humans, Male, Prevalence, Random Allocation, Risk Factors, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Tuberculin Test, Tuberculosis, Zambia