We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models with a penalized likelihood estimation to account for rare events to assess the association between LAM positivity and mortality in the first 6 months after enrollment, building age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ART, CD4 count, and the presence of TB symptoms into the models.16 Using a backward elimination, stepwise approach, only variables with a P-value < 0.2 in univariate analyses were included in the final multivariate model. This evidence concerns the gene CD4 and tuberculosis.