Module 0 - Introduction

Introduction

0.5

Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

TB is the most common cause of death in people with HIV (PLWHIV) throughout the world and is considered an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining illness.
It is estimated that one-third of the 35.3 million PLWHIV worldwide are co-infected with TB.
HIV infection greatly accelerates the development of TB disease due to a weakened immune system.
Active TB disease further suppresses the immune system of PLWHIV.
Therefore, when a patient has a TB and HIV co-infection, both diseases progress more rapidly.