Tools to manage TB and HIV
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a threat to SA and globally.
SA is among 22 countries with the highest burden of TB, with a high estimated incidence and prevalence of TB.
Of note is that TB among HIV-positive people is common, as this group has compromised immune systems, which puts them at high risk of contracting TB.
This is according to health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth as the province commemorates its World TB Day in the OR Tambo district on Thursday.
“The immune system becomes weak to prevent the growth and local spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to the progression of recent or latent TB infection to active TB disease,” Meth said.
“TB is also more difficult to diagnose as immunosuppression progresses, hence the introduction of the gene-Xpert Ultra machine, which picks up the TB germ.”
She said co-infected patients had an increased mortality due to rapid disease progression, late diagnosis and other opportunistic infections.
“People with HIV are always urged to have a TB test so that they can receive appropriate TB management, including the provision of comprehensive HIV care, to prolong their lives.
“There is therapy for TB and HIV coinfected patients and those who do not have. In people with both TB and HIV, TB is treated and is curable, provided one adheres to the treatment,” the MEC said.
TB preventative therapy (TPT) is provided to those with no TB disease to prevent the occurrence, Meth said.
“TPT guidelines are available to prevent HIV-positive people contracting TB disease.
“TPT is also given to children who stay with people who have infectious TB.
“Before starting TPT, signs and symptoms of TB have to be excluded in both children and HIV-positive people. All confirmed TB patients are offered HIV counselling and testing,” Meth said.
“The benefits of knowing your HIV status include early diagnosis and management of other HIV-related illnesses; opportunities for prevention of other infections, for instance using cotrimoxazole; access to ARTs (antiretroviral therapy) and to HIV care — psychosocial, nutritional and medical — as well as condom use,” Meth said.
The MEC said appropriate HIV care of TBHIV co-infected patients was essential to help reduce their morbidity and mortality.
“While an HIV-positive patient is on TB treatment, the Eastern Cape department of health ensures that the patient is provided with or accesses appropriate HIV care.
“The department therefore urges all people with TB to know their HIV status and vice versa.
“All people are urged to get tested for TB and HIV. Yes, you and I can end TB and control HIV spread,” Meth said.
The department has called on Eastern Cape citizens to:
● Take responsibility towards their own health and play their part in fighting the TB scourge;
● Get tested for TB and HIV;
● Start TB treatment and finish the treatment course;
● Start ART and adhere to treatment; and
● Destigmatise and support each other.