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The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a tuberculosis threat?
A J Plant1, P J Christopher, G A Richards
1Institute of Public Health Biosciences, Macquarie Hospital, North Ryde, NSW.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|June 20, 1988
Summary
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is linked to rising mycobacterial infections. This study found atypical mycobacterial infections are underreported in AIDS patients and highlights the need for health worker protection against tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- An increase in mycobacterial infections has been observed in the United States, linked to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Since 1983, Australia has reported 523 group-IV AIDS cases, with 361 in New South Wales (NSW).
- Of NSW AIDS patients, 16% had concurrent mycobacterial infections, with a notable rise in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1986.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential link between the AIDS epidemic and increased mycobacterial infection notifications.
- To quantify underreporting of atypical mycobacterial infections in AIDS patients.
- To examine trends in mycobacterial disease notifications in the context of the AIDS epidemic.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cases notified to AIDS and tuberculosis registers in NSW.
- Comparison of tuberculosis infection rates in AIDS patients versus the general NSW population.
- Examination of trends in mycobacterial disease notifications from the onset of the AIDS epidemic.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (3000 per 100,000) was observed in group-IV AIDS patients in 1986 compared to the NSW population (5.2 per 100,000).
- Atypical mycobacterial infections were found to be underreported by at least 19.5%.
- The study identified trends in mycobacterial disease notifications correlated with the AIDS epidemic.
Conclusions:
- The AIDS epidemic has contributed to an increase in mycobacterial infections, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria.
- There is significant underreporting of atypical mycobacterial infections in individuals with AIDS.
- Appropriate measures are crucial to protect healthcare workers from tuberculosis transmission in the context of rising AIDS cases.