Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Amplifying and Quantifying HIV-1 RNA in HIV Infected Individuals with Viral Loads Below the Limit of Detection by Standard Clinical Assays
Published on: September 26, 2011
Epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus testing among patients with tuberculosis in North Carolina
Jason E Stout1, Raoult Ratard, Karen L Southwick
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Background:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is recommended for all patients with tuberculosis (TB).
Methods:
Surveillance data for all reported cases of TB in North Carolina from 1993 to 1999 were examined to assess HIV testing practices.
Results:
Of 3,680 TB patients, 3,119 (85%) had HIV testing data reported. Of these, 604 (19%) were not offered HIV testing, 465 (18%) refused testing, 379 (15%) were HIV seropositive, 29 (0.8%) were tested but results were not reported, and 1 (0.03%) had an indeterminate result. Older patients were significantly less likely to be offered HIV testing and more likely to refuse testing. Males and African Americans were more likely to be offered and to accept testing.
Conclusions:
At least 34% of TB patients in North Carolina from 1993 to 1999 did not receive HIV testing. Patients in higher-risk groups were more likely to be tested, but even within the highest-risk groups, testing was not universal. Health care providers should offer HIV testing to all individuals with TB.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Tuberculosis