Tuberculosis and HIV infection

PREVIEW

Among infections associated with HIV, tuberculosis (TB) is unique in that it may be transmitted to immunocompetent persons via the respiratory route, is easily treatable once identified, may occur in early-stage HIV disease, and is preventable with drug therapy. However, multidrug resistance is a potentially serious problem, even though its incidence has declined because of the use of directly observed therapy and other improved practices. In this article, the authors describe special considerations in diagnosis and treatment of TB in these immunocompromised patients, including approaches recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.