Tag: co-infection

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  • Neftaly Guidelines for the management of TB/HIV co-infection in adults

    Neftaly Guidelines for the management of TB/HIV co-infection in adults

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    Neftaly Guidelines for the management of TB/HIV co-infection in adults

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    It appears there isn’t a specific “Neftaly” policy or guideline for the management of TB/HIV co‑infection in adults. What you likely mean are the widely used South African clinical and HIV guidelines, particularly those developed by the South African National Department of Health (NDoH) and the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society (SAHCS).

    Here’s a concise summary of the most up‑to‑date from those:


    ???? Key Components of TB/HIV Co‑infection Management in Adults (South African Context)

    1. TB Screening & Diagnosis

    • Symptom-based screening (cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats, TB contact). A positive screen → chest X‑ray, urine LAM, and sputum GeneXpert MTB/RIF regardless of symptoms or sputum production.Spotlight+9sahivsoc.org+9sahivsoc.org+9
    • Urine LAM: particularly recommended for HIV-positive inpatients with CD4 ≤ 100 cells/μL or seriously ill patients (including outpatients), helps expedite diagnosis.sahivsoc.org+1NCBI+1

    2. Timing of ART Initiation

    • ART should be started promptly after TB diagnosis, typically within 2–8 weeks:
      • Within 2 weeks for patients with CD4 < 50 cells/µL.
      • Within 8 weeks for patients with higher CD4 counts.
    • Exception: When TB meningitis is diagnosed, ART may need to be delayed to manage risk of IRIS.NCBI+1PMC+1

    3. Antiretroviral Regimen Considerations

    • Preferred first‑line regimen in co‑infected adults is dolutegravir (DTG)‑based (e.g. DTG + 3TC + TDF or TAF).Spotlight+8PMC+8Clinical Options+8
    • Rifampicin interactions: Rifampicin lowers concentrations of many ART drugs via CYP450 induction.
      • Current WHO guidance recommends doubling the DTG dose (from 50 mg once to 50 mg twice daily).
      • However, recent trial data (e.g. RADIANT‑TB) suggests standard once‑daily DTG may suffice.Clinical Options+1Spotlight+1
      • Bictegravir (BIC)/FTC/TAF given twice daily is emerging as an alternative for patients on rifampicin‑based TB treatment.Clinical Options

    4. TB Preventive Therapy (TPT)

    • Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) should be started as soon as active TB is excluded—regardless of tuberculin skin test or pregnancy (exceptions with CD4 < 350).
    • Newer short-course regimens (e.g. 3HP—isoniazid + rifapentine once weekly for 3 months—or 1HP) are now supported by global evidence, and South African policy is in process to roll these out for high-risk PLHIV.

    5. IRIS Management

    • Prednisone prophylaxis (low‑dose) is recommended to reduce paradoxical TB‑IRIS when ART is initiated within the first month of TB treatment.

    6. Co‑trimoxazole Prophylaxis (CTX)

    • CTX prophylaxis should be provided to all HIV-positive TB patients until CD4 recovery or as per national protocol. It significantly reduces mortality and morbidity.

    7. Monitoring & Adherence

    • Frequent clinical follow‑up, viral load and CD4 where indicated.
    • Adherence support is essential, particularly given the dual regimen burden (TB + ART).
    • Training of nurses and community health workers in integrated adherence counselling is critical.

    ???? Quick Reference Table

    AreaKey Guideline Actions
    Screening/DiagnosisSymptom screen + GeneXpert + urine LAM
    ART TimingStart within 2–8 weeks; earlier if CD4 < 50
    ART Regimen ChoicesDTG-based; adjust dose if on rifampicin; BIC/FTC/TAF option
    TB Preventive TherapyIPT or short-course (3HP/1HP) after excluding active TB
    IRIS ProphylaxisLow-dose prednisone if initiating ART within 1 month
    CTX ProphylaxisStandard for HIV/TB coinfection
    Adherence & SupportFrequent monitoring and counselling

    Additional Guidelines

    • Refer to

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  • Neftaly TB and HIV co-infection including IRIS

    Neftaly TB and HIV co-infection including IRIS

    TB and HIV Co-infection: Understanding the Challenges and IRIS

    Introduction

    Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection is a major global public health concern. Both diseases fuel each other’s progression, making diagnosis, treatment, and management complex. This is especially critical in regions with high prevalence of both infections.

    The Link Between TB and HIV

    HIV weakens the immune system by targeting CD4+ T cells, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections such as TB. TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV.

    • People living with HIV are 20 to 30 times more likely to develop active TB than those without HIV.
    • TB can accelerate the progression of HIV by increasing viral replication.

    Challenges of Co-infection

    1. Diagnosis Difficulties: TB symptoms can be atypical or masked in HIV-positive patients due to immunosuppression.
    2. Treatment Complexity: Managing both infections simultaneously requires careful coordination because of drug interactions, side effects, and overlapping toxicities.
    3. Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS): A paradoxical worsening of symptoms after starting antiretroviral therapy (ART).

    What is IRIS?

    Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) is an inflammatory reaction seen in some HIV-positive patients shortly after beginning ART. As the immune system begins to recover, it mounts a strong response against existing infections such as TB, causing symptoms to worsen or new symptoms to appear.

    Types of IRIS related to TB:

    • Paradoxical TB-IRIS: Worsening of symptoms in a patient already diagnosed and treated for TB after starting ART.
    • Unmasking TB-IRIS: New presentation of TB symptoms shortly after starting ART in a patient with previously undiagnosed TB.

    Symptoms of TB-IRIS

    • Fever
    • Enlarged lymph nodes
    • Worsening cough or breathlessness
    • New or enlarging lung infiltrates on chest X-rays
    • Abscess formation or other inflammatory signs

    Managing TB and HIV Co-infection with IRIS

    • Early Diagnosis: Prompt testing for TB in HIV-positive individuals is critical.
    • Coordinated Treatment: Initiate TB treatment first, then start ART typically within 2 to 8 weeks, balancing the risk of IRIS.
    • Monitoring: Close clinical follow-up after ART initiation to detect IRIS early.
    • Treatment of IRIS: Use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids may be necessary in severe cases while continuing ART and TB therapy.
    • Patient Education: Inform patients about the possibility of IRIS and symptoms to watch for.

    Prevention Strategies

    • Routine TB screening for all HIV patients.
    • Use of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in eligible patients to reduce TB incidence.
    • Early initiation of ART to maintain immune function.
    • Strengthening integrated TB/HIV healthcare services.

    Conclusion

    TB and HIV co-infection presents significant clinical challenges, especially with the risk of IRIS complicating treatment. Integrated approaches that combine timely diagnosis, coordinated treatment plans, and patient education are essential to improve outcomes and reduce mortality.