Human immunodeficiency virus - tuberculosis (HIV-TB) co-infection: a review of the syndemic and proposed next steps
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) and Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) have both independently had far reaching and damaging effects around the world. Each have gone through periods of being the most harmful epidemics humans have faced, and each has proved difficult to irradicate over the many years we have tried to do so. A syndemic describes the junction of two or more diseases that amplify their total impact through synergistic interaction. The junction of TB and HIV has had devastating global consequences. If the syndemic effects of HIV, TB, and HIV/TB co-infection are not successfully managed, the goals of eliminating TB by 2050 and achieving 90% diagnosis, treatment by antiretrovirals, and viral suppression will be rendered unattainable. There is significant work left to be done to understand the relationship between the two epidemics to prevent further worsening of the individual and combined population health effects. A significant mobilization and dissemination of resources, chiefly antiretroviral therapy and diagnostic tools will be needed in conjunction with thorough research and governmental application to be able to work toward alleviating the burden of this deadly syndemic. This review examines the existing information about the two diseases independent of one another and assesses the ways in which population dynamics, clinical interventions, and epidemiological interactions serve to propel the syndemic relationship.
Description
2025