Journal of the Indian Medical Association
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Stroke is a major disabling health problem in developing countries like India. Stroke burden in India has been rising in the last few decades, in contrast to developed countries where it has plateaued or decreased. The average annual incidence rate of stroke in India currently is 145 per 100,000 population, which is higher than the western nations. ⋯ In India 10% to 15% of strokes occur in people aged below 40 years. Up to 80% of strokes in India are ischaemic in nature, among which intracranial atherosclerosis is the most common mechanism. It is of utmost importance to create awareness among public about risk factors of stroke and their prevention in order to reduce the associated mortality and morbidity.
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Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is found to increase the occurrence of drug resistant tuberculosis. The data for HIV and multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) coinfection is scarce in India. The study aims to find out the prevalence of MDR-TB and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) among chronic TB patients and to identify their trend with HIV coinfection over time. ⋯ Prevalence of HIV coinfection with MDR-TB was found to be high among chronic TB patients. It would be appropriate to screen all the chronic TB patients for HIV coinfection apart from their sputa examined for drug resistant tuberculosis, especially in HIV high prevalent states. Indiscriminate use of fluoroquinolone should be stopped.