Epidemiology of Tuberculosis and HIV Co-Infection in Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction: TB-HIV co-infection constitutes a real public health problem, and its control constitutes a challenge for African countries and their health services. The aim of this survey was to determine the epidemiological profile of TB-HIV co-infection in the town of Butembo, DRC.

Methods: We undertook a retrospective survey which covered a period of nine years (1/2007-12/2015). We enrolled patients from Katwa referral hospital, Kitatumba referral hospital, MATANDA hospital and Makasi health centre; which are health facilities in charge of the detection and treatment of Tuberculosis in Butembo town.

Results: The prevalence of the co-infection TB-HIV was 18.3%. Female patients were the most co-infected with a sex ratio of 1.27. The age group of 25 to 44 years was the most concerned (20.3%); traders were more co-infected with 51,0% of all recorded cases; the fact single has been found as a risk factor of co-infection (22.1%). Most of the co-infected patients did not respond to tuberculosis treatment, and their Ziehl Neelsen test was negative. The death rate of the co-infection TB-HIV was 22.6%.

Conclusion: TB-HIV co-infection remains a major problem for public health. The reduction of its prevalence constitutes a challenge in Butembo.