Antiretroviral therapy and tuberculosis: Does the regimen matter?

Abstract

Infection with HIV is one of the strongest drivers of the incidence of tuberculosis. The use of potent combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) decreases the incidence of tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients. Data on whether this effect differs by type of initial antiretroviral drug or regimen are scarce. Studies are often not designed to address the potential effect of cART on tuberculosis incidence, and/or the diagnosis of tuberculosis is poorly validated. The paucity of data precludes recommendation on the initial cART regimen with respect to the incidence tuberculosis. Other well-described intervention like preventive therapy, and early start with cART are likely to have more effect on the prevention on tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients. © Informa UK, Ltd.