Tuberculosis after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in low-income and high-income countries

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Dec 1;45(11):1518-21. doi: 10.1086/522986. Epub 2007 Oct 22.

Abstract

We examined the incidence of and risk factors for tuberculosis during the first year of highly active antiretroviral therapy in low-income (4540 patients) and high-income (22,217 patients) countries. Although incidence was much higher in low-income countries, the reduction in the incidence of tuberculosis associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy was similar: the rate ratio for months 7-12 versus months 1-3 was 0.48 (95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.64) in low-income countries and 0.36 (95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.50) in high-income countries. A low CD4 cell count at the start of therapy was the most important risk factor in both settings.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents*
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Developed Countries* / economics
  • Developing Countries* / economics
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Income
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents