Co-infection of human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis in pediatric patients

Abstract

Today, one third of the worId's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with more tha neigth million new cases annually. Ninety five percent of these cases occur in underdeveloped countries and the majority of them among the pediatric population and young adults. Infection by the Human Inmmunodeficiency Virus also occurs more frequentIy in developing countries and thus, tuberculosis is projected to be the most frequent opportunistic infection of the Acquired Irnmunodeficiency Syndrome in the next decade. This article reviews the most important and valid epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory aspects that can be useful for a fast diagnostic approach and earIy treatment of a disease that day by day acquires more importance.