Integration of HIV and tuberculosis in the community

Abstract

Current strategies are insufficient to contain the growing tuberculosis (TB) epidemic in areas of high HIV prevalence such as sub-Saharan Africa. Due to the increased risk of morbidity and mortality among those coinfected, early detection is critical. However, strategies dependent on passive, facility-based case finding have failed due to severe limitations in the HIV-positive population. There is growing evidence from multiple clinical trials that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients coinfected with HIV and TB reduces mortality. Integration of community-based distribution of ART and TB medicines should be considered for coinfected patients to help improve retention in care and to off-load busy health systems. Several models of integration of HIV and TB care in sub-Saharan Africa have been successful. This review article examines the concepts of HIV and TB integration of testing and treatment at the community level.