Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia - Friday November 2, 2001
A 33-fold increase in HIV infections since 1997 could propel the number even higher, Russian and American researchers said in a report in the Lancet medical journal.
"If the spread of HIV is not prevented, co-infection will accelerate the resurgence of tuberculosis," said Dr. Boris Kazionny of the Orel oblast Central Dispensary in Orel, southwest of Moscow.
"Furthermore, the potential for massive tuberculosis spread in HIV individuals in settings such as prisons -- in which rates of tuberculosis and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis are highest -- is especially alarming," he added. People infected with HIV, whose immune systems are weakened, are 30 times more likely to develop tuberculosis, which is one of the main opportunistic infections that kills AIDS sufferers.
Despite effective treatment tuberculosis, which destroys the lungs and is spread by coughing and sneezing, kills more than a million people worldwide each year. Multi-drug resistant strains of TB have developed because people have failed to used recommended treatments properly.
Kazionny and his colleagues in Russia, along with Dr. Charles Wells of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, said the epidemic is still at an early stage and preventive measures could limit its spread.
They called for better HIV screening and surveillance, as well as education campaigns to prevent the sexually transmitted infection.
The researchers also said the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) treatment strategy for tuberculosis should be implemented throughout Russia. Multi-drug resistant TB must also be monitored and treated quickly.
"Russia might be able to avoid a true public health disaster by pursuing these prevention and containment measures; however, the time to act is now before the opportunity is lost," Kazionny added.
011102
RE011102
Copyright © 2001 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .