16.2  TB/HIV co-infection

A person not infected with HIV usually has some natural immunity against tuberculosis. However, the HIV-infected person will be more vulnerable to infection because they will have lost some of their natural immunity. This provides the TB bacteria with a favourable environment in which to multiply and bring about the full disease, showing all the common signs and symptoms. Raising awareness of TB/HIV co-infection is an important role for all health workers (Figure 16.2).

Figure 16.2  Poster campaign to raise awareness of TB/HIV co-infection. (Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, USA, accessed from: http://apps.nlm.nih.gov/ againsttheodds/ exhibit/ action_on_aids/ new_disease.cfm [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] )