Mycobacterium tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection in Alagoas, Brazil: a picture from 2009 to 2019

Objective: The present study surveyed the sociodemographic characteristics of individuals affected by co-infection with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) in Alagoas-Brazil. Methods: The study was conducted with two different databases of Sistema de Informação de Agravos e Notificação (SINAN) with cases notified between 2009 and 2019. An additional cohort of HIV infected patients from PAM Salgadinho Specialized Health Unit, Municipal Health Department of Maceió-Alagoas, Brazil was also evaluated. The data was analyzed descriptively and by statistical tests to evaluate the population profile and potential associations. Results: During the period evaluated, 14,318 cases of tuberculosis and 1,438 human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis co-infections were notified. Most co-infected cases were identified in men (63.13%), between 30 and 59 years old (72.53%), with incomplete primary education (27.88%), alcoholics (61.02%), and homeless (48.09%). Significant correlations suggest that death by co-infection was more common among men, population between 30 and 59 years old and with complete superior education. Also, the HIV viral load was significantly higher in the co-infected group. Conclusion: The results show the recent scenario of HIV/TB co-infection in Alagoas-Brazil, revealing a profile of social vulnerability situation and increased risk of death. These observations suggest that public health policies should be developed looking carefully at this portion of the population, to provide quality of life, less death and more adherence to TB treatment.