Tuberculosis and HIV-infection in developing countries

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in developing countries. In recent years, a (cost-)effective intervention has been developed in the national programmes of Tanzania and other developing countries. HIV transmission in populations with a high background prevalence of tuberculosis infection will increase the incidence of tuberculosis disease substantially. World Health Organization and World Bank are currently formulating new strategies to revitalise the global efforts against tuberculosis.

PIP: Tuberculosis (TB) has long been recognized as a complication of immune suppression. It poses a particularly major public health threat to developing countries. Many developing countries suffer high prevalence and incidence of TB infection. By suppressing host cell-mediated immunity, HIV exacerbates TB infection by helping to facilitate the transition of latent TB into active disease. Higher prevalence of active disease in population then leads to increasing rates of TB transmission. The World Bank estimates an annual incidence of greater than 7.1 million TB cases in the developing world. Cost-effective interventions have, however, been incorporated as components of national programs in Tanzania and other developing countries. The World Health Organization and World Bank are also working on new strategies to revitalize global efforts against tuberculosis. Finding TB cases early and treating them with chemotherapy are specifically recommended.