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Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common opportunistic infection among HIV-infected and one of the major global public health challenges of this era.In Nepal, the burden of TB among HIV infected had been seen range from 10% - 20 % mainly the people of productive age. This study was designed to assess the public health burden of opportunistic TB infection among HIV infected. Information was collected from 144 HIV/AIDS patient who had visited the ART clinic of Bharatpur Hospital, Chitwan during the period of 10th May to 30th May 2012. Study showed the 9.7 percent prevalence of opportunistic TB among HIV infected and extra pulmonary TB rate was higher. The status of TB co-infection during the diagnosed HIV infected period was 28.4 percent including prevalence TB cases. The common health problems faced by HIV-TB co-infected were weakness , fever, weight loss and cough. Having history of TB infection before HIV diagnosis were at 4.8 times greater risk of getting opportunistic TB. Access to health related local non government organization in the community had a great impact for significantly low risk of HIV-TB co-infection.
About the author
Ms Kandel is a Registered Nurse of Nepal and has obtained her Master Degree in Public Health with specialization on Epidemiology from North South University, Bangladesh. She has work experience of eight years in hospital nursing, teaching and research activities. Currently, she is involved in teaching profession and also Chairman of a NGO of Nepal.
