Tuberculosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Tuberculosis, including details on symptoms, causes, treatment, pulmonary, mycobacterium.

Co-infection with HIV and TB: double trouble.

McShane H

Harrison Clinic, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HE, UK. helen.mcshane@ndm.ox.ac.uk

Co-infection with HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis is common, particularly in the developing world. Tuberculosis (TB) is the commonest co-infection in HIV-positive individuals, who are at increased risk of both reactivation of latent infection and acquisition of new infection. As the degree of immunosuppression increases, the risks of developing TB disease also increase. The patho-physiology, clinical picture, differential diagnosis and diagnostic tests are discussed, together with the interactions between antiretroviral therapy and anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. Indications for chemoprophylaxis and vaccination against TB are reviewed.

Published 5 April 2005 in Int J STD AIDS, 16(2): 95-100; quiz 101.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Tuberculosis Research Today. All Rights Reserved.