Decreased Function of the Immune System

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 34 views

Description of Tuberculosis Infection Types in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Adult at H. Adam Malik Hospital in 2020-2022

Overview of Tuberculosis Infection Types in Adult HIV/AIDS Patients in H. Adam Malik Hospital in 2020-2022

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that attacks the immune system by infecting white blood cells, especially CD4 cells. Without treatment, HIV sufferers will develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition characterized by a severely weakened immune system. Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.TB) bacteria, is an opportunistic infection that is still a major problem of morbidity and mortality in people with HIV/AIDS. This study aims to determine the description of the type of TB infection in adult HIV/AIDS patients in H. Adam Malik Hospital in 2020-2022.

Background of Tuberculosis Infection in HIV/AIDS Patients

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, and it is estimated that 1.5 million people died from TB in 2020. In people with HIV/AIDS, TB is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and it is estimated that 1 in 3 people with HIV/AIDS will develop TB at some point in their lives.

Methodology of the Study

This study uses a retrospective method with a total sampling technique. The study included all adult patients with HIV/AIDS who were diagnosed with TB at H. Adam Malik Hospital in 2020-2022. The data were analyzed using univariate analysis, and the results were presented in the form of frequencies and percentages.

Results of the Study

The results of the study showed that the most common type of TB infection was pulmonary TB, which accounted for 78.9% of all TB cases. The next most common type of TB infection was TB lymph nodes, which accounted for 15.8% of all TB cases. Bone TB and TB Pleura were the least common types of TB infection, each accounting for 2.6% of all TB cases.

Discussion of the Results

The results of the study are consistent with previous research, which has shown that pulmonary TB is the most common type of TB infection in people with HIV/AIDS. This is likely due to the fact that pulmonary TB is more easily transmitted and more common in individuals with a weak immune system. Some factors that may contribute to the high number of pulmonary TB in people with HIV/AIDS include:

Decreased Function of the Immune System

HIV attacks the immune system, so that the body is more easily infected by TB bacteria. This is because HIV targets and destroys CD4 cells, which are an important part of the immune system.

Increased Risk of Infection

Patients with HIV/AIDS have a higher risk of TB infection, especially through air transmission. This is because TB bacteria are highly contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Changes in Lifestyle

Patients with HIV/AIDS often experience changes in lifestyle, such as lack of nutritional intake and lack of access to health services, which can increase the risk of TB infection.

Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment

The importance of TB prevention and treatment in people with HIV/AIDS needs to be emphasized. Some recommendations that can be taken based on the results of this study are:

Increasing Education

Increasing education about the importance of TB prevention in people with HIV/AIDS through educational and counseling programs.

Increasing Screening

Increasing TB screening in patients with HIV/AIDS regularly to detect TB infections early.

Appropriate Treatment

Providing appropriate and effective TB treatment for people with HIV/AIDS, including antiretroviral therapy to improve the immune system.

Support and Access

Providing support and access to comprehensive health services for people with HIV/AIDS, including access to TB treatment, counseling, and social services.

Conclusion

This study provides important information about the description of the type of TB infection in patients with HIV/AIDS Adult at H. Adam Malik Hospital. By increasing understanding of the pattern of TB infections in this group, prevention and treatment efforts can be increased to reduce the morbidity and mortality due to TB in patients with HIV/AIDS.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may not be representative of all hospitals in the region.
The study only included adult patients with HIV/AIDS, which may not be representative of all patients with HIV/AIDS.
The study did not control for other factors that may contribute to the development of TB, such as smoking and alcohol use.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Conducting a larger and more representative study to confirm the findings of this study.
Investigating the role of other factors that may contribute to the development of TB in people with HIV/AIDS.
Developing and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies for TB in people with HIV/AIDS.

References

World Health Organization. (2020). Tuberculosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Tuberculosis (TB).
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. (2020). HIV and TB.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tuberculosis Infection in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Q: What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

A: Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.TB) that primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body.

Q: What is the relationship between HIV and TB?

A: HIV and TB are closely linked, as HIV infection weakens the immune system, making it easier for TB bacteria to infect and cause disease.

Q: What are the symptoms of TB in people with HIV/AIDS?

A: The symptoms of TB in people with HIV/AIDS can be similar to those of HIV itself, including fever, weight loss, and fatigue. However, TB can also cause coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Q: How is TB diagnosed in people with HIV/AIDS?

A: TB is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies, such as chest X-rays and CT scans.

Q: What is the treatment for TB in people with HIV/AIDS?

A: The treatment for TB in people with HIV/AIDS typically involves a combination of antibiotics, including isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide, for at least 6 months. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) may also be prescribed to treat HIV.

Q: Can TB be prevented in people with HIV/AIDS?

A: Yes, TB can be prevented in people with HIV/AIDS through a combination of measures, including:

Increasing education: Educating people with HIV/AIDS about the risks of TB and the importance of seeking medical care if symptoms develop.
Increasing screening: Regularly screening people with HIV/AIDS for TB, especially those with a history of TB or those who are experiencing symptoms.
Providing antiretroviral therapy (ART): Providing ART to people with HIV/AIDS to improve their immune system and reduce the risk of TB.
Providing isoniazid prophylaxis: Providing isoniazid prophylaxis to people with HIV/AIDS who are at high risk of developing TB.

Q: What are the challenges of treating TB in people with HIV/AIDS?

A: The challenges of treating TB in people with HIV/AIDS include:

Resistance to antibiotics: TB bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics, making treatment more difficult.
Co-infection with other diseases: People with HIV/AIDS may be co-infected with other diseases, such as hepatitis or malaria, which can complicate treatment.
Adherence to treatment: People with HIV/AIDS may have difficulty adhering to treatment, which can lead to treatment failure and the development of drug-resistant TB.

Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in preventing and treating TB in people with HIV/AIDS?

A: Healthcare providers play a critical role in preventing and treating TB in people with HIV/AIDS by:

Providing education and counseling: Educating people with HIV/AIDS about the risks of TB and the importance of seeking medical care if symptoms develop.
Conducting regular screening: Regularly screening people with HIV/AIDS for TB, especially those with a history of TB or those who are experiencing symptoms.
Providing antiretroviral therapy (ART): Providing ART to people with HIV/AIDS to improve their immune system and reduce the risk of TB.
Providing isoniazid prophylaxis: Providing isoniazid prophylaxis to people with HIV/AIDS who are at high risk of developing TB.

Q: What are the future directions for research on TB in people with HIV/AIDS?

A: Future research directions for TB in people with HIV/AIDS include:

Developing new treatments: Developing new treatments for TB that are more effective and easier to administer.
Improving adherence to treatment: Improving adherence to treatment among people with HIV/AIDS to reduce the risk of treatment failure and the development of drug-resistant TB.
Reducing the risk of co-infection: Reducing the risk of co-infection with other diseases, such as hepatitis or malaria, which can complicate treatment.

Q: What are the resources available for people with HIV/AIDS who are at risk of TB?

A: There are several resources available for people with HIV/AIDS who are at risk of TB, including:

National TB control programs: National TB control programs provide education, screening, and treatment for TB in people with HIV/AIDS.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): NGOs, such as the International AIDS Society and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, provide funding and support for TB control programs in people with HIV/AIDS.
Healthcare providers: Healthcare providers, such as doctors and nurses, provide education, screening, and treatment for TB in people with HIV/AIDS.