Trends in HIV/TB coinfection in Trinidad and Tobago for the period 1998-2007.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to extend the description of the epidemiologic pattern of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/tuberculosis (TB) coinfection from 1998 to 2007 in a high HIV/AIDS prevalence country.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

This study utilized registry data to determine yearly TB incidence and HIV coinfection. Mortality rates for coinfected patients were calculated and compared with patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

RESULTS

From a TB population of 2010 registered patients, data was collected on the 466 patients with HIV/TB coinfection. The coinfection rate was found to be 23.6% for the study period. Patients on HAART were twice as likely to survive.

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of TB and HIV/TB coinfection rates continues to be major challenges in the developing world. Demographic, socioeconomic trends as well as risk factors remain unchanged. Increased HIV screening and HAART coverage offers hope for the future.