Tuberculosis and HIV infection in Brazil: magnitude of the problem and strategies for control

Abstract

The aim of the article was to propose, based on an analysis of the current scenario and of the interaction between tuberculosis and AIDS, strategies to minimize the epidemiological impact of one disease over the other in Brazil. The manner by which health policies aimed at controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic is analyzed - such as access to antiretroviral drugs and campaigns for the early detection of HIV infection and for encouraging adherence to treatment - and their impact on the achievement of goals related to controlling tuberculosis. The implementation of measures for preventing the onset of tuberculosis in HIV-infected individuals, early detection of tuberculosis disease, and ensuring treatment adherence, is discussed. It is commented upon the role that Brazil may assume in the global effort to develop a therapeutic arsenal and the need for integrated work between the fields of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.