Researchers urge tuberculosis (TB) prevention and treatment to be integrated into HIV-related programs, according to a paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and reported on by Xinhuanet (xinhuanet.com, 7/22). TB is a major cause of death for people living with HIV in the developing world.
“HIV programs have no option but to address TB vigorously to save patient lives, safeguard the massive investment in HIV treatment and to curb the global TB burden,” said Diane Havlir, the paper’s lead author.
Researchers advise that people seeking HIV-related care should be tested for TB; members of their household should be tested as well. Those who test positive should receive TB treatment through their HIV caregiver.
Researchers recommend treating non TB-infected HIV patients with preventative isoniazid therapy, which would help reduce their risk of contracting the disease.
