Prophylaxis for tuberculosis in Europe - Ongoing research

Abstract

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has increased in recent years, raising issues regarding preventive therapy for TB in this high-risk patient population. To determine if an HIV-positive individual is at risk for reactivation of latent infection, testing with purified protein derivative (PPD) is recommended; however, many people with impaired cell-mediated immunity due to HIV are anergic. Strategies regarding PPD testing and criteria for HIV-positive patients are presented. Isoniazid has been the accepted drug for use as prophylaxis for TB in immunocompetent patients, and there is evidence that isoniazid is also effective in HIV-positive, PPD- positive patients. Data from efficacy and feasibility trials and the risks and benefits of preventive therapy with isoniazid are discussed. Because of toxicity and compliance problems with isoniazid, there is a continuing need for development of alternative therapies. The results of some preliminary studies of newer therapies are presented here.