A clinical dilemma： abdominal tuberculosis

AIM: To evaluate the clinical, radiological and microbiological properties of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) and to discuss methods needed to get the diagnosis. METHODS: Thirty-one patients diagnosed as abdominal TB between March 1998 and December 2001 at the Gastroenterology Department of Kartal State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey were evaluated prospectively. Complete physical examination, medical and family history, blood count erythrocyte sedimentation rate, routine biochemical tests, Mantoux skin test, chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasonography (USG) were performed in all cases, whereas microbiological examination of ascites, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy or barium enema, abdominal tomography, mediastinoscopy, laparoscopy or laparotomy were done when needed. RESULTS: The median age of patients (14 females,17 males) was 34.2 years (range 15-65 years). The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain and weight loss. Eleven patients had active pulmonary TB. The most common abdominal USG findings were ascites and hepatomegaly. Ascitic fluid analysis performed in 13 patients was found to be exudative and acid resistant bacilli were present in smear and cultured only in one patient with BacTec (3.2 %). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy yielded nonspecific findings in 16 patients. Colonoscopy performed in 20 patients showed ulcers in 9 (45 %), nodules in 2 (10 %) and, stricture, polypoid lesions, granulomatous findings in terminal ileum and rectal fistula each in one patient (5 %). Laparoscopy on 4 patients showed dilated bowel loops, thickening in the mesentery, multiple ulcers and tubercles on the peritoneum. Patients with abdominal TB were divided into three groups according to the type of involvement. Fifteen patients (48 %) had intestinal TB, 11 patients (35.2 %) had tuberculous peritonitis and 5 (16.8 %) tuberculous lymphadenitis. The diagnosis of abdominal TB was confirmed microbiologically in 5 (16 %) and histo-pathologically in 19 patients (60.8 %). The remaining nine patients (28.8 %) had been diagnosed by a positive response to antituberculous treatment. CONCLUSION: Neither clinical signs, laboratory, radiological and endoscopic methods nor bacteriological and histopathological findings provide a gold standard by themselves in the diagnosis of abdominal TB. However, an algorithm of these diagnostic methods leads to considerably higher precision in the diagnosis of this insidious disease which primarily necessitate a clinical awareness of this serious health problem.     

Diagnosis and treatment strategies of tuberculous intestinal perforations: a case series

Gastrointestinal tuberculosis (TB) may result in intestinal obstruction and perforation, even after antituberculous therapy has been initiated. Despite surgical intervention tuberculous perforation has a high complication and mortality rate, and it is difficult to predict the subgroup of patients with abdominal TB who progress to perforation. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the clinical features that may predict disease progression in patients in our institution who presented abdominal TB over a 5-year period between January 2006 and August 2011, as well as describe an unreported method of managing tuberculous intestinal perforations when resection with end-to-end anastomosis is unfeasible. Six out of 91 patients (6.6%) with abdominal TB developed perforations. Factors linked with increased complications and mortality were age, comorbidities, multiple perforations and length of time between onset of abdominal symptoms and perforation. Four patients (66.7%) had long histories of abdominal symptoms before perforation. Three patients were receiving or had completed antituberculous therapy before developing perforation. Five patients were managed surgically, two underwent laparostomy as both primary closure and end-to-end anastomosis were deemed too risky. Mortality following perforation was 17%. Patients with prolonged abdominal symptoms, even after antituberculous therapy, should raise suspicion for subacute intestinal obstruction. This should be recognized early and surgical intervention considered in order to prevent mortality secondary to perforation. Laparostomy may be an alternative when resection and end-to-end anastomosis is not possible.     

Role of endoscopic ultrasound guided FNAC in diagnosis of pancreatic TB presenting as mass lesion: a case report and review of literature

A 24-year-old male patient presented with abdominal pain, obstructive jaundice, anorexia and weight loss. Ultrasound abdomen revealed pancreatic head mass with dilated common hepatic duct and intrahepatic bliliary radicles. CECT abdomen was suggestive of pancreatic head mass invading portal vein, splenic artery and hepatic artery. Provisional diagnosis of unresectable carcinoma head of pancreas was established. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was done, which was also suggestive of pancreatic head mass infiltrating portal vein. EUS guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was taken with an intent to obtain tissue diagnosis and to start palliative chemotherapy. EUS guided FNAC features were suggestive of tuberculosis (TB). Patient was started on anti-tubercular therapy, to which he responded and was cured. Pancreatic tuberculosis should be considered as a possibility, in pancreatic mass, especially in countries where TB is endemic and establishing its diagnosis with the aid of FNAC can save trauma of major surgery to the patient, which prompted us to report this case.     

Diagnostic dilemma of abdominal tuberculosis in non-HIV patients： An ongoing challenge for physicians

INTRODUCTION In developing countries, tuberculosis is associated with poverty, deprivation, overcrowding, illiteracy, and limited access to health care facilities. While in developed worlds, tuberculosis is commonly accompanied with HIV infection, ageing …     

Gastrointestinal tuberculosis: an eighteen-patient experience and review

The diagnosis of gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GITB) is often delayed, increasing the morbidity associated with this treatable condition. In this case series, the clinical presentations and outcomes of 18 patients with GITB are reviewed. Our aim was to elucidate the presenting signs and symptoms of GITB so as to help physicians improve their ability to make this diagnosis. Cases were gathered retrospectively over an 8-year period from Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California. Sources of information included patient records from our TB clinic and our hospital from 1989 to 1997. Of the 18 patients, 16 had a definitive diagnosis of GITB made from histology and/or culture from an abdominal source. In the remaining two patients, a presumptive diagnosis of GITB was made based on the co-occurrence of abdominal signs and symptoms, response to antituberculous therapy, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis identified at a nonabdominal site. The most common clinical presentation was a triad of abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. This triad was present in 8 of 18 patients. Seven patients presented with two of these signs and symptoms, two had abdominal pain alone, and one presented with other symptomatology. Time to diagnosis ranged from 2 days to 11 months, with a mean time to diagnosis of 50 days. These findings suggest that the diagnosis of GI and hepatic TB is often delayed. Possible reasons for delay include nonspecific signs and symptoms and failure to consider TB in the initial differential diagnosis. Once diagnosed, the outcome of GITB in this series was favorable.     

Tuberculous peritonitis--reports of 26 cases, detailing diagnostic and therapeutic problems

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical presentation, biochemical (ascites and serum) and laparoscopic findings, and to assess the efficacy of triple antituberculous therapy without rifampicin for 6 months in patients with tuberculous peritonitis. METHODS: Twenty-six tuberculous peritonitis patients (11 male, 15 female) with a mean age of 34.8 +/- 3.4 years (range 14-77) were assessed with regard to diagnostic and therapeutic features. RESULTS: The most common symptoms and signs were abdominal pain (92.3%) and ascites (96.2%), respectively. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was positive in all patients. An abnormal chest radiography suggestive of previous tuberculosis was present in five patients (19.2%), and two patients (7.7%) had extra-peritoneal (cerebral, pericardial) active tuberculous involvement. In 24 of the 25 patients who underwent laparoscopy with directed biopsy, whitish nodules suggested tuberculous peritonitis; 76% of the biopsy specimens revealed caseating, 20% non-caseating granulomatous inflammation, and 4% non-specific findings. The ascitic fluid of one patient (3.8%) was positive for acid-resistant bacilli, and culture was positive in two patients (7.7%). Twenty-four of the patients were treated for 6 months with isoniazid, streptomycin (total dose 40 g) and pyrazinamide (for the first 2 months and then substituted with ethambutol). Eighteen patients also received methyl prednisolone, initially 20 mg/day, for 1 month. The follow-up period was 19 +/- 1.7 months after the end of therapy (range 6-36). Ascites and abdominal pain abated earlier in patients on steroid therapy. All but two of the 24 patients responded to treatment. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive tests such as acid-fast stain and culture of the ascitic fluid are usually insufficient, hence invasive laparoscopy and peritoneal biopsy are necessary for the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis if non-invasive tests such as ascites adenosine deaminase activity measurement are not easily available. Triple therapy without rifampicin for 6 months is sufficient to treat tuberculous peritonitis.     

Tuberculosis in the belly: a review of forty-six cases involving the gastrointestinal tract and peritoneum

BACKGROUND: Abdominal tuberculosis has varied presentation and can be confused with other conditions. METHODS: We report our experience with 46 patients. Charts of patients managed during 1984-97 were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent were women and mean age was 46 years. Presenting symptoms were as follows: fever 70%; abdominal pain 70%; weight loss 68%; abdominal swelling 67%; change in bowel habit 39%; anorexia 30%; and sweating 30%. Common physical signs were as follows: fever 73%; ascites 61%; abdominal mass 13%; and doughy abdomen 9%. Thirty percent of patients either gave past history of TB or presented with active TB of other sites. TB skin test was positive in only 27% of patients. CT scans of abdomen were abnormal in 80%, showing ascites, peritoneal lesions or enlarged nodes. Ascitic fluid was diagnostic for TB on smear/culture in 33%. Peritoneal biopsy was performed by laparoscopy or laparotomy in 61%. It was positive for ganulomas in 97% and for smear/culture in 68%. Forty-two patients recovered after receiving anti-TB therapy for 9-12 months. Four patients died. One died within 1 month of initiation of therapy due to extensive TB, and death in the other 3 was due to unrelated causes. CONCLUSION: Abdominal TB should be suspected in patients with fever, abdominal pain and ascites. This condition carries good prognosis if promptly diagnosed and treated.     

Tuberculous peritonitis developing during chemotherapy for pulmonary and intestinal tuberculosis: a case report

This report is of a case of tuberculous peritonitis that developed during antituberculous chemotherapy. A 54-year-old man had been diagnosed as all-drug susceptible pulmonary and intestinal tuberculosis, and treatment with isoniazid, ethambutol and rifampicin had been initiated. About 5 months later, while still undergoing therapy, a large amount of ascites developed. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed but due to the adhesion between the greater omentum and the parietal peritoneum, intestinal perforation occurred. An emergency operation was performed and the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis was confirmed. There are few reports of abdominal tuberculosis developing during antituberculous chemotherapy. In this case a paradoxical response may have been involved in the pathogenesis.     

Identifying pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with negative sputum smear results

BACKGROUND: Clinicians need to decide whether to begin empiric therapy for patients who are suspected of having tuberculosis (TB) but have negative sputum smear results. Culture results may take weeks, and delaying treatment may allow further transmission of disease. Study objective: To identify the clinical, demographic, and radiographic characteristics that identify smear-negative patients who have TB, and to create a TB prediction rule. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: University-affiliated public hospital in San Francisco, CA, between 1993 and 1998. PATIENTS: Forty-seven patients with TB and 141 control patients who were hospitalized with a suspicion of pulmonary TB; all had negative sputum smear results. Measurements and results: Demographic, clinical, and radiographic variables were determined by chart review. In multivariate analysis, a positive tuberculin skin test result (odds ratio [OR], 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0 to 11.9) was independently associated with an increased risk of a positive TB culture finding. A radiographic pattern not typical of pulmonary tuberculosis (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.7) and expectoration with cough (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.6) were predictive of a decreased risk. An interaction between HIV seropositivity and mediastinal lymphadenopathy on the chest radiograph was also associated with a positive TB culture result (OR, 7.2; 95% CI, 1.4 to 36.0). The TB prediction score (TPS) was created with widely ranging likelihood ratios that could affect the posterior probability of TB by 30-fold. CONCLUSION: The TPS put into context with the overall prevalence of TB in a given area may help clinicians decide if a patient with negative sputum smear results should start empiric antituberculous therapy or wait for culture results. These results need prospective validation.     

Ultrasound findings in cases of extrapulmonary TB in patients with HIV infection in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia

ObjectiveTo report ultrasound (US), laboratory and chest radiograph (CXR) findings of patients with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and discuss the diagnostic relevance of US in EPTB in high-risk individuals.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we described a cohort of 39 patients with a primarily immigrant background diagnosed with HIV and EPTB in Saudi Arabia and evaluated the role of US in their clinical management. All inpatient files of those diagnosed with EPTB who were HIV positive and had at least one US exam and one CXR exam performed were identified; results and outcomes were extracted.ResultsThirty–nine patients were diagnosed with HIV-associated EPTB between January 2008 and March 2012 and fulfilled the search criteria. Disseminated TB was diagnosed in 32 patients, pleural TB in 15, TB meningitis in 9 and TB pericarditis in 5. Enlarged abdominal lymph nodes were the single most frequent US finding seen in 61%, followed by pleural effusions (38%), liver (36%) and spleen (31%) lesions. CXR were normal in 38% of the patients.ConclusionsAs EPTB infections in HIV positive patients can be treated effectively if diagnosed early, we suggest that US should be integrated in diagnostic algorithms for EPTB.     

Clinical features and outcomes of abdominal tuberculosis in southeastern Korea: 12 years of experience

Background

Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon form of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Korea. In this study, we aimed to highlight the clinical features, diagnostic methods, and outcomes of abdominal TB over 12?years in Southeastern Korea.

Methods

A total of 139 patients diagnosed as having abdominal TB who received anti-TB medication from January 2005 to June 2016 were reviewed. Among them, 69 patients (49.6%) had luminal TB, 28 (20.1%) had peritoneal TB, 7 (5.0%) had nodal TB, 23 (16.5%) had visceral TB, and 12 (8.6%) had mixed TB.

Results

The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain (34.5%) and abdominal distension (21.0%). Diagnosis of abdominal TB was confirmed using microbiologic and/or histologic methods in 76 patients (confirmed diagnosis), while the remaining 63 patients were diagnosed based on clinical presentation and radiologic imaging (clinical diagnosis). According to diagnostic method, frequency of clinical diagnosis was highest in patients with luminal (50.7%) or peritoneal (64.3%) TB, while frequency of microscopic diagnosis was highest in patients with visceral TB (68.2%), and frequency of histologic diagnosis was highest in patients with nodal TB (85.2%). Interestingly, most patients, except those with nodal TB, showed a good response to anti-TB agents, with 84.2% showing a complete response. The mortality rate was only 1.4% in the present study.

Conclusions

Most patients responded very well to anti-TB therapy, and surgery was required in only a minority of cases of suspected abdominal TB.

     

Tuberculous peritonitis-do not miss it

Incidence of tuberculosis is sharply rising in the United States, and tuberculous peritonitis is often diagnosed late in the course of the disease, resulting in undue patient morbidity and mortality. PURPOSE: Purpose of this study was to better identify which clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and invasive procedures were most useful in diagnosing tuberculous peritonitis. METHODS: All cases of tuberculous peritonitis diagnosed between 1982 and 1994 were reviewed retrospectively to discern which laboratory, radiographic, and procedural tests were helpful in diagnosing the condition. RESULTS: Twenty-eight cases of tuberculous peritonitis were diagnosed during the studied period. Two patients were not diagnosed until autopsy. Patients from all socioeconomic classes and multiple races ranged in age from 3 to 69 (mean, 29.5) years. Most patients presented with a chronic wasting illness, mild abdominal pain, and fever. Purified protein derivative was only positive in 5 of 16 patients. Chest radiographs were suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in five patients. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen was helpful in five patients, and computed tomographic scan was suspicious in 16 of 17 patients. Sputum for acid fast bacillus (AFB) smear was positive in 3 of 14 patients, and paracentesis for AFB smear was positive in 1 of 8 patients. Routine blood work was not helpful. Laparoscopy was diagnostic in five of seven patients. Laparotomy and tissue biopsy of characteristic tissue for AFB smear and culture was diagnostic in 20 of 20 patients. Once diagnosed, all patients responded rapidly to empiric antituberculous medical therapy, except one patient with miliary TB who died shortly after diagnosis. A trend in earlier diagnosis was noted in recent years and is felt to be the result of an elevated index of suspicion. CONCLUSIONS: TB peritonitis may be fatal but is medically cured if diagnosed in a timely fashion. It is essential that the clinician suspect the disease in appropriate patients. Tests frequently associated with TB such as chest radiograph and purified protein derivative are not sensitive in detection of TB peritonitis. Computed tomographic scan is the most useful radiographic study. Mini laparotomy with tissue biopsy for smear and culture is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic procedure.     

Use of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of abdominal tuberculosis is vitally important as it greatly reduces disease and treatment related morbidity and even mortality in extreme cases. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was evaluated for its feasibility as a diagnostic tool in abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in the Indian scenario. METHODS: PCR for the identification of M. tuberculosis amplified a 340 bp nucleotide sequence located within the 38 kDa protein gene of M. tuberculosis. Tissues for processing were obtained from patients suspected to have abdominal TB. These were from various sources such as abdominal lymph nodes, segments of intestine and bowel obtained at various times and in different ways such as laparoscopy, colectomy, bowel and lymph node resection. Fifty such patients had their tissues sent for PCR. RESULTS: PCR results were compared with histopathology (HP). Of the 50 samples, 31 were positive for abdominal TB by HP whereas 30 were positive by PCR. Twenty-four of these were positive for both HP and PCR while of the seven samples positive for HP, five were negative and two gave inhibition by PCR. Six samples negative by HP were positive by PCR. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that PCR can be used as an effective tool to diagnose abdominal TB.     

Hepatic abscesses in immunocompromised patients: ultrasonically guided percutaneous drainage.

Ultrasonically guided percutaneous drainage (US-PD) is considered first-line therapy for hepatic abscesses, but no data are available on its efficacy in severely immunocompromised patients. Therefore, we examined 15 such patients in whom one or more hepatic abscesses of different etiology were treated with US-PD. Eleven patients underwent needle aspiration and four had catheter drainage under US guidance. In 12 cases we achieved complete healing of the abscesses. In one case, clinical improvement was obtained but surgery was required for cure. In another case (fungal abscess in AIDS), we had no improvement and the patient died. No procedural complications were observed. Seven patients died during the follow-up periods of up to 49 months from their underlying disease. We conclude that US-PD must be considered the therapy of choice for hepatic abscess (except the fungal lesions) in severely immunocompromised patients.     

Evaluation of digitally guided fine needle aspiration cytology versus fine needle core biopsy for the diagnosis of recurrent rectal cancer

The clinical value of transrectally digitally guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was compared with fine needle core biopsy (FNCB). FNAC was performed with a 21G and FNCB with a 18G needle. No prophylactic antibiotic was given. In the first part of the study 100 patients (20 primary/80 recurrences, 17 benign/83 cancers) were studied by both techniques. In 93% a definite diagnoses was given in FNAC specimen versus 96% of the FNCB cases. There were no false positive cancer diagnoses. The sensitivity of the FNAC was 88% versus 68% of the FNCB specimens. This difference was statistically significant. In a second part of the study 142 specimens of recurrent cases were examined by FNAC including 78 of the patients of the first part. The negative predictive value was around 60% for FNAC versus around 40% for FNCB. Both techniques were without any major complications. For the diagnosis of a palpable recurrent pelvic tumour a digitally guided puncture may be tried before proceeding to CT or US guided examination. In our hands FNAC seems preferable to FNCB.

---

Résumé. La valeur clinique d'une cytologie d'aspiration à l'aiguille fine dirigée au doigt par voie transrectale (FNAC) a été comparée avec les résultats d'une biopsie à l'aiguille fine (FNCB). La FNAC a été réalisée d'une aiguille 21G et la FNCB avec une aiguille 18G. Aucune prophylaxie antibiotique n'a été donnée. Dans la première partie de l'étude, 100 patients (20 lésions initiales, 80 récidives, 17 lésions bénignes/83 cancers) ont étéétudiés dans les deux techniques. Dans 93% des cas, un diagnostic definitif a été donné par les specimens obtenus avec la FNAC comparativement à 96% avec la FNCB. Aucun faux positif avec le diagnostic de cancer n'a été posé. La sensibilité de la FNAC est de 88% versus 68% pour la FNCB. Cette différence est statistiquement significative. Dans une deuxième partie de l'étude, 142 specimens de récidive ont été examinés par FNAC incluant 78 patients de la première partie de l'étude. La valeur prédictive négative est d'environ 60% pour FNAC versus environ 40% pour FNCB. Les deux techniques n'entra?nent aucune complication majeure. En cas de tumeur pelvienne palpable récidivante, le diagnostic doit être tenté tout d'abord à l'aide d'unde ponction guidée au doigt avant de procéder à un CT on un US. Dans notre expérience, FNAC semble préférable à FNCB.

---

---

Accepted: 16 August 1996     

Nocardiosis in HIV seropositive clinically suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients

To determine the frequency of nocardiosis in HIV-positive individuals clinically suspected of having tuberculosis (TB), 140 sputum samples were collected and processed by Gram stain, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and by culture on Lowenstein Jensen medium. Four (2.85%) patients were positive for nocardia by microscopy and five (3.6%) had positive culture for Nocardia asterioides. In areas where HIV-associated TB is common, some patients diagnosed as smear-negative pulmonary TB will actually have nocardiosis. Clinicians should be aware of this entity in HIV/immunocompromised patients with respiratory infections who fail to respond to antituberculous treatment.     

Laparoscopy in chronic abdominal pain: a prospective nonrandomized long-term follow-up study

GOAL: Our aim was to assess the long-term efficacy of diagnostic laparoscopy and adhesiolysis on the treatment of intractable chronic abdominal pain. STUDY: This was a prospective nonrandomized study of 72 patients (60 women and 12 men). One surgeon performed a total of 79 diagnostic laparoscopies including 61 adhesiolysis. The patients' demographic data, operative findings, and long-term postoperative course were carefully recorded. A quality-of-life questionnaire was mailed after the mean follow-up of 3.7 years to find out the late course of any chronic abdominal symptoms after the surgery. RESULTS: Intra-abdominal adhesions were found in 61 patients (85%) in the laparoscopy, gynecologic disorders in 4, chronic appendicitis in 1, and no abnormality in 6 patients. The abdominal wall pain was a likely reason for pain in 12 patients (17%). The complication rate was minimal, including only four bleedings (one major), one perforation of urinary bladder, and three wound infections. At 1-month control, 38% of the patients were completely free of pain. In the long-term follow-up, chronic abdominal pain was totally healed in 33%, diminished in 46%, and unchanged in 21% of the patients. A total of 65 patients (90%) reported that the surgery had been beneficial for their intractable pain. CONCLUSIONS: By careful selection, for patients with chronic abdominal pain, laparoscopy alleviates the symptoms in more than 70% of the patients, and it should be considered if other diagnostics tests are negative. A placebo-controlled study is needed, in which the patients are randomized into laparoscopy and conservatively treated groups with a quality-of-life measurement.     

B-cell immune responses in HIV positive and HIV negative patients with tuberculosis evaluated with an ELISA using a glycolipid antigen

The diagnostic value of the PGL-Tb1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) was established following a survey study using sera from 220 Tuberculosis patients (including 69 HIV coinfected) and 324 controls. A higher percentage (76.8%) of the HIV-seropositive compared to the HIV-seronegative (58.9%) TB patients were ELISA positive (p=0.02) with a specificity of 94%. In HIV-positive TB patients, ELISA sensitivity was identical for all sites of disease and antibody levels were not affected by the CD4+ counts, PPD results, age or bacterial yield. Combining data for both the smear microscopy and ELISA maximized sensitivity. The kinetics of anti-PGL-Tb1 antibody was evaluated in cohort studies using sera collected before, during and after treatment for clinical TB for 79 TB patients (including 39 HIV coinfected). Statistically significant ELISA signals were observed in 51.3% of HIV-seropositive TB patients prior to the diagnosis of clinical TB and elevated antibody levels persisting 18 months after the end of antituberculous chemotherapy. Asymptomatic development of antibody also occurred in 22.7% of a cohort of 44 HIV-positive patients with a high risk of tuberculosis, but no correlation was found between persisting elevated antibody levels and progression to active disease. This antibody response in absence of disease, might reflect the control of an incipient tuberculosis infection by antituberculous prophylaxis or through an improved protective immune response associated with antiretroviral therapy.     

Improved outcomes of HIV-1-infected adults with tuberculosis in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES: To compare the survival and treatment responses to antiretroviral therapy between HIV-1-infected patients with active TB (TB patients) and without (non-TB patients) in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). DESIGN: 8-year prospective observational study at a university hospital. METHODS: A total of 125 (17.5%) TB patients (median CD4 cell count at TB diagnosis, 37 x 10(6) cells/l) and 591 non-TB patients (CD4 cell count at enrolment, 79 x 10(6) cells/l) were prospectively observed between June 1994 and October 2002. Virologic and immunologic responses were assessed in 230 antiretroviral-naive non-TB patients and 46 TB patients who concurrently initiated antituberculous therapy and HAART. The clinical outcome was evaluated by comparing incidence of new AIDS-associated opportunistic illnesses (OIs) and survival of all TB and non-TB patients.RESULTS Among antiretroviral-naive patients, CD4 cell count increase (71 versus 64 x 10(6) cells/l, P = 0.70) and proportions of patients achieving undetectable plasma viral load [20 of 46 versus 107 of 230, relative risk (RR), 0.93; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.65-1.34; P = 0.71] at week 4 of HAART were similar between the 46 TB and 230 non-TB patients, as was the virologic failure during HAART (RR, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.92-2.41; P = 0.14). The risk for HIV progression to new OIs was also similar between the two groups (adjusted RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.764-1.77). The adjusted hazard ratio for death of TB patients compared with non-TB patients was 1.18 (95% CI, 0.65-2.32) before HAART era and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.57-1.69) in HAART era. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that virologic, immunologic, and clinical responses to HAART and prognosis of HIV-1-infected TB patients who were concurrently treated with antituberculous therapy and HAART were similar to those of non-TB patients.     

Nocardiasis in patients with HIV infection

The frequency of Nocardia infection in HIV-infected patients has increased during the past few years from 0.3% in 1985 to 1.8% in 1989. Although it is not of great concern as an AIDS-associated infection, the nonspecific clinical presentation in these patients might be confused with other lung infections such as tuberculosis (TB). The mortality rate can be as high as 60%. The authors diagnosed three homosexual men with nocardiasis among 1060 HIV-infected patients (0.2%) in a tertiary care center in Mexico City from 1981 to 1997. The mean age was 32 years. The CD4 count was less than 260 cells/mm3 in all these individuals. The clinical presentations were subacute sinusitis, chronic localized abdominal abscess, and acute disseminated nocardiasis. The respective associated infections were none; TB and cytomegalovirus (CMV); and candidiasis, TB, CMV, Isospora belli, and disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) was the treatment in all the cases; at the time of this writing, two patients were living and one had died during the acute episode. A literature search uncovered 130 cases of Nocardia infection in HIV patients since 1982. According to the published data and our results, nocardiasis should be suspected in those HIV-infected patients who (1) do not respond to appropriate antituberculous treatment; (2) are intravenous drug users; and (3) develop a characteristic pericardial infection. Finally, adequate surgical or percutaneous drainage of abscesses are extremely valuable for diagnosis and therapy.