Identification of additional ways to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

BACKGROUND: According to official statistics from the Russian Federation in 2021, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was more often registered in the general population than in vulnerable groups.

AIMS: This study aimed to determine the characteristic patient cohorts with tuberculosis (TB) and HIV coinfection in dynamic epidemiological environments and propose additional organizational approaches to reduce TB incidence in patients with HIV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the complete medical data of patients with TB and HIV coinfection in three Russian regions. Additionally, we analyzed the cohort of patients with TB and HIV coinfection through sexual transmission. Furthermore, confidential interviews with patients with TB and HIV coinfection were undertaken. Specifically, reasons for refusing clinical examination at a Russian Federal AIDS Center (RFAIDSC) were clarified.

RESULTS: Among patients with TB and HIV coinfection, parenteral transmission remains the primary HIV infection route. Moreover, patients who acquired infection through sexual contact are also primarily socially disadvantaged, leading to the refusal of clinical examination and a consequent late detection of TB. On the contrary, patients who are unemployed report that they do not have the financial means to travel to the regional RFAIDSC. Widespread, rapidly progressive MDR TB infections more often occurred in patients with TB and HIV coinfection than in patients with TB but without HIV. Considering that every fourth patient with TB in Russia has been diagnosed with HIV. Moreover, there are specific features regarding the development and course of TB, and the generally accepted criteria for assessing the quality of TB without HIV care often become biased for patients with coinfection. This can lead to unreasonably negative assessments of the antituberculosis system and its work.

CONCLUSIONS: In view of the above, it is important to modify regulatory documents regarding informing patients about the importance of seeking timely medical help and solve the issue of travel for patients who are unemployed to medical examinations and in emergency cases. It is also important to introduce adjustments for the criteria in assessing the quality of TB care, thereby accounting for the pathogenesis of TB in patients with HIV coinfection.