Intensified tuberculosis case finding among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus in a hospital clinic in Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT

Intensified tuberculosis case finding (ICF) is used in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) to reduce the burden of tuberculosis (TB). We conducted a retrospective study in 300 PLHIV attending an HIV care clinic in Ethiopia to assess ICF performance during a 12-month period. Between 80% and 95% of patients were screened for TB at enrolment and at each 3-month follow-up visit. Thirty-four (11%) patients were diagnosed with TB, of whom 27 (79%) were identified in the first 6 months. This study assessed serial ICF in routine settings, showing that TB screening had its largest diagnostic yield in the first 6 months.