Clinical presentation and treatment of HIV-TB

The HIV epidemic has increased the burden of tuberculosis (TB) among young adults, especially in populations where the prevalence of TB infection is high. Infection with HIV is the most potent risk factor for progression to active tuberculosis. Individuals who are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis only have an approximately 10% lifetime risk of developing active tuberculosis, compared with 60% or more in persons infected with HIV and TB. This is particularly important in India where more than half the adult population harbours M. tuberculosis. It is estimated that there are about 14 million cases oftuberculosis in India, about 2 million new cases occur annually, and we are home to 1 / 4th the world’s TB prevalence. The situation is likely to get worse as the prevalence of HIV in the community increases. Therefore, it is important to understand the effect of TB and HIV on each other and take adequate measures to control this dual epidemic