The case for integrating tuberculosis and HIV treatment services in South Africa

Abstract

Integration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) services is critical to effectively addressing both epidemics in South Africa. Examples of the specific need to integrate TB and HIV services are presented from a community in Cape Town, South Africa, with high burdens of HIV infection and TB and from an antiretroviral therapy (ART) program in a peri-urban township. TB and HIV service integration is needed in 3 specific scenarios presented in this article: for the public health control of TB, in the use of a TB diagnosis as an impetus for entry into an ART program, and to manage incident TB in patients in an ART program.