Tuberculosis and HIV infection: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical aspects
Graham, N.M.; Chaisson, R.E.
Annals of Allergy 71(5) 421-428; Quiz: 428-433
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4738 PMID: 8250347 Document Number: 420883
Human immunodeficiency virus infection has profoundly affected the epidemiology, natural history, and clinical presentation of TB. It has also contributed in part to the recent epidemic of MDR-TB in the US and significantly reduced the sensitivity (but not the specificity) of the tuberculin skin test. Further research is needed to determine the optimal strategy for chemoprophylaxis in HIV-infected individuals, new methods of diagnosing TB infection and disease, and new drugs to control MDR-TB. Most importantly, however, further funding is necessary to improve compliance with therapy and chemoprophylaxis in order to regain control of this ancient scourge.