Tuberculosis and HIV infection - How to safely treat both disorders concurrently

Among infections associated with HIV, tuberculosis (TB) is unique in that i t may be transmitted to immunocompetent persons via the respiratory route, is easily treatable once identified, may occur in early-stage HIV disease, and is preventable with drug therapy. However, multidrug resistance is a po tentially serious problem, even though its incidence has declined because o f the use of directly observed therapy and other improved practices. In thi s article, the authors describe special considerations in diagnosis and tre atment of TB in these immunocompromised patients, including approaches reco mmended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.