Evaluation of the Role of LF-LAM in the Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in HIV Patients at the Hospital das Clínicas of FMRP-USP

• Grant number: 25/03601-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Valdes Roberto Bollela
• Grantee: João Pedro de Assis Almeida
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a typically pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, considered one of the major global public health challenges. It is also the leading cause of hospitalization and death among people living with HIV. Diagnosing the disease in this population is challenging due to the paucibacillary nature of the infection and occasionally atypical clinical manifestations. The urinary LF-LAM test demonstrates a significant increase in sensitivity among patients with low CD4+ T lymphocyte counts, making it a potential candidate to address the diagnostic gap left by other tests in patients with such clinical characteristics. Objectives: To evaluate the role of LF-LAM in the early diagnosis of tuberculosis and to assess the alignment of LF-LAM test requests with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. Methods: Retrospective observational study based on the analysis of medical records (clinical and laboratory data) of patients at HC FMRP who underwent the LF-LAM test.