INCREASE IN TUBERCULOSIS DETECTION AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AFTER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LF-LAM RAPID TEST IN GOIÁS

The LF-LAM test (Lipoarabinomannan Lateral Flow Assay) is a rapid and simple diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB) detection in people living with HIV (PLHIV), especially useful in patients with advanced immunosuppression (CD4 <200 cells/mm³). As a point-of-care test that uses urine and does not require laboratory infrastructure, it is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for diagnosis in resource-limited settings. Its implementation aims to contribute to early detection and reduction of mortality among PLHIV. To evaluate the impact of implementing the LF-LAM test in the routine of specialized services in Goiás on TB detection among PLHIV. The test was implemented in May 2023, initially in nine Specialized Care Services (SAEs) in the state of Goiás, with subsequent expansion to twenty services. The target population consisted of PLHIV with CD4 <200 cells/mm³ and clinical symptoms suggestive of TB, according to Ministry of Health and WHO guidelines. Tests were performed within the services themselves, from sample collection to result interpretation, without the need for laboratory infrastructure. The study analyzed data from May 2023 to July 2024, including number of tests performed, positivity rate, and new TB cases detected. During the analyzed period, 691 LF-LAM tests were performed, with a positivity rate of 19.97%. An increase of 80.43% in the detection of new TB cases among PLHIV was observed in participating services compared to previous years. Test implementation allowed immediate initiation of treatment and notification in SINAN, contributing to continuity of the care cascade. The introduction of the LF-LAM test in specialized services in Goiás proved effective for timely TB diagnosis in PLHIV with advanced immunosuppression. It is a low-cost technology, easy to perform, and with significant impact on surveillance and control of TB-HIV coinfection, especially in resource-limited contexts.