Utility of tuberculosis directly observed therapy programs as sites for access to and provision of antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited countries

Clin Infect Dis. 2004 Jun 1:38 Suppl 5:S421-8. doi: 10.1086/421407.

Abstract

The overwhelming share of the global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and disease burden is borne by resource-limited countries. The explosive spread of HIV infection and growing burden of disease in these countries has intensified the need to find solutions to improved access to treatment for HIV infection. The epidemic of HIV infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been accompanied by a severe epidemic of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis has become the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV disease worldwide. Among the various models of provision of HIV/AIDS care, one logical but unexplored strategy is to integrate HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis care and treatment, including highly active antiretroviral therapy, through existing tuberculosis directly observed therapy programs. This strategy could address the related issues of inadequate access and infrastructure and need for enhanced adherence to medication and thereby potentially improve the outcome for both diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Antitubercular Agents / adverse effects
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Directly Observed Therapy / methods*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • Health Resources
  • Humans
  • Tuberculosis / complications
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy*
  • Tuberculosis / immunology
  • Tuberculosis / mortality

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Antitubercular Agents