HIV-associated tuberculosis: clinical update

Clin Infect Dis. 2010 May 15;50(10):1377-86. doi: 10.1086/652147.

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has led to an increase in the incidence of tuberculosis globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Coinfection with HIV leads to difficulties in both the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. Because of the poor performance of sputum smear microscopy in HIV-infected patients, more sensitive tests-such as liquid culture systems, nucleic acid amplification assays, and detection of mycobacterial products in various body fluids-are being investigated. The treatment of coinfected patients requires antituberculosis and antiretroviral drugs to be administered concomitantly; challenges include pill burden and patient compliance, drug interactions, overlapping toxic effects, and immune reconstitution syndrome. Both multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis can spread rapidly among an immunocompromised population, with resulting high mortality rates. Current guidelines recommend starting antiretroviral treatment within a few weeks of antituberculosis therapy for patients with CD4 cell counts <350 cells/microL; however, important questions about the drug regimens and timing of antiretroviral therapy remain. Ongoing trials may answer many of these unresolved questions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy*
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Antitubercular Agents