title: A comparative study of tuberculin skin test reactivity between asymptomatic HIV-1 seropositive subjects and healthy volunteers.
abstract: During November 1993-October 1994 tuberculin skin test reactivity (PPD-Thai Red Cross: 0.1 ml of 10 IU) was determined among 399 asymptomatic HIV-1 positive subjects and 405 healthy volunteers, 10% (40/399) had PPD-TRC induration 0-2 mm compared with 4.2% (17/405) (p = 0.001) and 43.4% (173/399) had induration > or = 10 mm compared with 53.8% (218/405) (p = 0.003) of healthy volunteers. However, the percentage of the PPD-TRC induration 5-9 mm was similar among HIV-1 seropositive subjects and healthy volunteers as 37.6% (150/399) vs 34.8% (141/405) (p = 0.4). The mean PPD-TRC reaction of HIV-seropositive subjects were 6.4 +/- 0.9 mm vs. 11.0 +/- 0.5 mm among those with CD4 lymphocyte counts 200-299 cells/mm3 compared with those > or = 300 cells/mm3 (p < 0.001). We provide support for use of induration of > or = 5 mm of PPD-TRC skin reaction for evidence of latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis as the CDC recommendation in asymptomatic HIV-seropositive subjects. Consideration of tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis should have benefit, particularly in areas where M.tuberculosis is highly prevalent such as Thailand. However, among HIV-1 seropositive carriers with negative tuberculin (PPD-TRC) skin tests, there needs to be a careful evaluation and follow-up for evidence of tuberculous infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suwanagool
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chuenarom
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pechthanon
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sonjai
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leelarasamee
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pathrakom
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000276:immunology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D013785:Thailand; D014374:Tuberculin Test; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D007538:Isoniazid