Tuberculosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Review of current concepts

West J Med. 1989 Jun;150(6):700-4.

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a frequent complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced immunosuppression. The diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in patients with evidence of HIV infection qualifies as a criterion of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Demographic characteristics of patients with tuberculosis and HIV infection vary by region and reflect the degree to which patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection adopt behaviors that put them at risk for HIV infection. The clinical features of tuberculosis in patients with HIV infection are atypical. Extrapulmonary disease, tuberculin anergy, and unusual findings on chest radiographs occur most frequently when tuberculosis afflicts patients with other clinical evidence of HIV infection at the time tuberculosis is diagnosed. Treatment is effective for tuberculosis in HIV-seropositive patients, and isoniazid prophylaxis is recommended for HIV-infected patients with positive tuberculin skin tests.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Opportunistic Infections / complications*
  • Prognosis
  • Tuberculosis / complications*
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents