CO-INFECTIONS IN PATIENTS AT THE TIME OF HIV DIAGNOSIS, A TERTIARY CARE STUDY

HIV leads to an immunodeficient state, where the patient becomes susceptible to other infections. Among the coinfections, the most common include tuberculosis, HBV, HCV, and syphilis. Co-infection provides reciprocal advantages to both pathogens and accelerates the progression of these diseases. This study is aimed to identify co-infections (HBV, HCV, syphilis, tuberculosis) in patients at the time of HIV diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at ICTC, a tertiary care hospital, over a period of one year. Patients who were diagnosed as HIV-reactive and willing to participate in the study were included. HIV status was confirmed using the three primary tests/antigens according to NACO guidelines. A detailed demographic profile and medical history of patients were recorded. After identifying HIV-reactive patients, they were tested for HBsAg (HBV infection), HCV antibodies (HCV infection), RPR (syphilis infection), and CBNAAT (tuberculosis infection). The CD4 count of the patients was also recorded. Results: A total of 9,049 patients presented to ICTC, among which 429 were reported as HIV-reactive (4.74% positivity). Of the 429, 233 (54.31%) were male and 196 (45.69%) were female. The most common age group was 31 to 40 years (38%). Tuberculosis was observed in 41 patients (9.56%), HBV infection was found in 7 patients (1.63%), and no patients were positive for HCV (0%). Syphilis infection was seen in 8 patients (1.86%). The mean CD4 count in patients with coinfection was 207 cells/mm³. Conclusion: Time-bound screening for co-infections in HIV patients is essential, and conducting this screening at the time of HIV diagnosis is optimal for initiating a comprehensive treatment plan. Early detection and treatment of co-infections are crucial to prevent further progression of infections and relapse.