Impact of tuberculosis and long term benefits of anti-retroviral treatment in patients with HIV in Sri Lanka

Although prevalence of HIV infection in Sri Lanka is low, there is a gradual increase in incidence. Effective anti-retroviral treatment (ART) controls the virus, improves immunity and reduces transmission of HIV greatly. We studied the impact of tuberculosis and response to ART in a cohort of patients with HIV in Sri Lanka. A retrospective study of all patients with HIV followed up at the ART clinic at National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Angoda, Sri Lanka was carried out. Their socio-demographic data, clinical presentations, anti-retroviral treatment and clinical, immunological and virological response were analysed. Study included 72 patients. Mean age was 47.19 (SD-10.354) years. Male to female ratio was 1:0.8. Forty nine (68%) patients were diagnosed with HIV after presenting with an opportunistic infection. Of these, 25 had tuberculosis (TB). Another 5 developed TB later. Fifty two (72.2%) had CD4 cell counts