Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Published on: May 9, 2025
Risk of severe bacterial infections including TB before and after immediate or deferred antiretroviral therapy: A
Tomas O Jensen1, Shweta Sharma2, Anchalee Avihingsanon3
1Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity, and Infections, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Objectives:
Deferring antiretroviral therapy (ART) until a CD4 count below cells/mm3 or other clinical indication in people with HIV (PWH) carries an increased risk of severe bacterial infections and tuberculosis (TB). It is not known if this increased risk is reversed after ART initiation.
Methods:
We analyzed 4684 adult PWH with CD4 cell counts above 500 cells/mm3 who were randomized to immediate or deferred ART in the Strategic Timing of AntiRetrovial Treatment trial. In May 2015, the deferred group was offered ART and follow-up continued until December 2021. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risks of severe bacterial infections including TB in the immediate and deferred groups before and after ART initiation in the deferred group.
Results:
A total of 217 (4.6%) participants experienced a severe bacterial infection during the entire follow-up period. Pre-2016, the immediate group had a lower rate of severe bacterial infections compared to the deferred group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.38; 95% CI 0.26, 0.55). During 2016-2021, there was no longer a statistically significant difference (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.49, 1.16). No differences were observed between clinical or demographic subgroups.
Conclusion:
The increased risk of severe bacterial infections seen after deferring ART is reversed once ART is initiated.
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...
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...

