[Tuberculosis in HIV positive individuals].

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology
• Public Health

Context:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health threat, particularly for individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
• Chile has seen a decline in general TB rates, with cases increasingly concentrated in high-risk, immunosuppressed populations.
• HIV-infected individuals face challenges with TB diagnosis due to decreased test sensitivity and a higher risk of disseminated, rapidly progressive disease.

Purpose:

• To review the specific diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for tuberculosis in patients co-infected with HIV.
• To highlight advances in managing TB in this vulnerable population.
• To address the complexities of concurrent HIV and TB treatment, including toxicities and drug interactions.

Summary:

• Tuberculosis is a leading cause of mortality in HIV-infected individuals worldwide.
• In immunosuppressed patients, TB diagnosis is challenging, and the disease often presents in severe, disseminated forms.
• Managing co-infection requires careful consideration of drug interactions and treatment toxicities.

Impact:

• Improved understanding of TB in HIV patients can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment strategies.
• Addressing diagnostic limitations and treatment complexities can reduce TB-related mortality in this population.
• This review provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers focused on combating TB/HIV co-infection.