CDC | TB | TB and HIV Coinfection

Tuberculosis

TB and HIV Coinfection

In spite of fewer people in this country suffering with TB, it remains a serious threat, especially for HIV-infected persons. In fact, worldwide TB is one of the leading causes of death among people infected with HIV.

People infected with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) are more likely than uninfected people to get sick with other infections and diseases. TB is one of these diseases.

Without treatment, as with other opportunistic infections, HIV and TB can work together to shorten the life of the person infected.
Someone with untreated latent TB infection and HIV infection is much more likely to develop active TB disease during his or her lifetime than someone without HIV infection.
Among people with latent TB infection, HIV infection is the strongest known risk factor for progressing to active TB disease.
A person who has both HIV infection and active TB disease has an AIDS-defining condition.

The good news is that HIV-infected persons with either latent TB infection or active TB disease can be effectively treated. The first step is to ensure that HIV-infected persons get a test for TB infection and any other needed tests. The second step is to help the people found to have either latent TB infection or active TB disease get proper treatment. Rapid progression from latent TB infection to active TB disease can easily be prevented.

Treatment

There are a number of treatment options for HIV-infected persons with either latent TB infection or active TB disease. Consult with your state or local health department for treatment options.