Dynamics of co-infection with M-tuberculosis and HIV-1

Since 1985, there has been a renewed epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) that was previously thought to be in check. There is evidence to believe the main f actor for this resurgence has been the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Go-infection with HIV and M. Tuberculosis has profound implications for the course of both diseases. This study represents a first attempt to understa nd how the introduction of an opportunistic infection, namely Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB, affects the dynamic interaction of HIV-1 and the immune system. We create a mathematical model using ordin ary differential equations to describe the interaction of HIV and TB with t he immune system. It is known that infection with TB can decrease the CD4() T cell counts-a key marker of AIDS progression; thus, it shortens surviva l in HIV infected individuals. Another main marker for HIV progression is t he viral load. If this load is increased due to the presence of opportunist ic infections, the disease progression is much more rapid. We also explore the effects of drug treatment on the TB infection in the doubly-infected pa tient. (C) 1999 Academic Press.