Tuberculosis in HIV-infected Patients (last 15 years evidence)

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the most common opportunistic infection and a leading cause of mortality among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV infection increases susceptibility to active TB by impairing cell-mediated immunity and facilitating reactivation of latent infection. The co-infection of TB and HIV presents significant challenges in clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. Patients often exhibit atypical clinical and radiological features, making early diagnosis difficult. Advances in molecular diagnostic tools, antitubercular therapy (ATT), and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have significantly improved outcomes in recent years. This article reviews the clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies of tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients based on evidence from the last 15 year.