Work

Characteristics and mortality of children living with HIV/TB coinfection in a tertiary hospital in a resource-limited setting

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In Indonesia, children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) face a heightened risk of tuberculosis (TB) coinfection. This study aims to explore the clinical characteristics and mortality of children with HIV/TB coinfection. A retrospective observational study was conducted on children diagnosed with HIV/TB coinfection and treated between 2017 and 2021 in Dr. M. Djamil Central Hospital, Padang City, Indonesia. Twenty-seven children were diagnosed with HIV/TB coinfection. Most children were male, aged five years or older, and resided in rural areas. All patients exhibited HIV clinical stage III or IV, with a median (IQR) CD4 count of 49 (18–534) cells/mm 3 . The most frequently reported clinical manifestations were fever, cough, and growth/developmental delay. Four patients died while being treated in the hospital, resulting in a mortality rate of 14.8%. In crude analysis, severe anemia ( p = 0.025) and pneumonia ( p = 0.012) were significantly associated with mortality. This study highlights the considerable mortality risk among children living with HIV/TB coinfection, particularly emphasizing the significance of addressing severe anemia and pneumonia as contributing factors.

Source: BMC Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1186/s12879-025-11769-7

Authors: Syandrez Prima Putra, Rahmat Syawqi, Liganda Endo Mahata, Finny Fitry Yani, Rusdi Rusdi, Tiara Ella Sari

Institutions: Andalas University, Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr. M. Djamil Padang

Language: English

Topic: Tuberculosis Research and Epidemiology

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090