$Unique_ID{BRK01594}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Relationship Between Tuberculosis and AIDS}
$Subject{TB AIDS Infections immunity system disease diseases Tuberculosis
lungs lung infection infected fever sweats weight loss bloody sputum bacilli
acquired immune deficiency syndrome blood hiv human immunodeficiency virus
viruses viral deficient syndromes}
$Volume{A-5,A-7,U-5,U-7}
$Log{
AIDS Weakens the Immune System*0001003.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Relationship Between Tuberculosis and AIDS


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QUESTION:  Could you please explain the relationship between tuberculosis and
AIDS.  I am aware of at least two people in which these two diseases are
associated, and would like to know if there is a real connection?

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ANSWER:  Any condition which significantly reduces the body's ability to fight
infection can pave the way for tuberculosis.  Typically this airborne disease
attacks the lungs and is most prevalent in nursing homes and prisons, where
close quarters can cause the germ to spread rapidly.  Likewise, infected city
dwellers, including the homeless and a growing number of immigrants from
countries where TB is endemic, add to the problem because they are unlikely to
seek help, either out of poverty or ignorance regarding the disease.
     The fact is, approximately 10 million people in this country are infected
with TB germ.  And with the alarming increase in AIDS cases, the numbers
continue to climb.  This is due in part to the tricky nature of the disorder:
it's sometimes hard to detect, can mimic other conditions, takes proper care
to cure, and if not treated properly can come back long after the initial
infection disappears.  For example, in the elderly (as well as children under
five) the classic TB symptoms--fever, night sweats, weight loss, and bloody
sputum--are not always present.  For those eventually diagnosed as active, it
means a full course of treatment with the very effective antituberculous drugs
now available.
     For people infected with AIDS, the story can be much grimmer.  In fact,
the inability to fight the TB is often a person's first clue that the AIDS
virus is present.  Without a healthy immune system, the infection won't heal
and the TB bacilli may spread.  It is therefore important (as in all TB cases)
to seek prompt medical attention, as AIDS-related TB requires intensive care
and drug therapy.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.