The interaction between TB and HIV

Clinical description

A strong immune system usually prevents the development of TB disease following infection with TB bacilli. HIV reduces the protection provided by the immune system and enables TB bacilli to multiply unchecked, facilitating rapid progression to active TB disease. In Africa, HIV prevalence among TB patients is approximately 38%, while in Malawi about 53% of TB patients are HIV-positive (2015 data10). HIV-related tuberculosis is associated with poor TB treatment outcomes. It is therefore imperative to rapidly identify and treat TB cases among PLHIV.