The HIV and TB connection:
Philippines’ Dual Health Threat
HIV attacks CD4 cells, also known as T-helper cells, which are the most important components of our immune system.
These cells play a vital role in defending the body against infections.
When CD4 cells are compromised by HIV, the immune system weakens, making it much more difficult for the body to fight off infections such as tuberculosis (TB).
TB is considered an AIDS-defining condition, which is why it is essential for all TB patients to be screened or tested for HIV.
Often, HIV/AIDS is diagnosed incidentally when a patient presents with symptoms unrelated to HIV, such as a persistent cough, only to discover they have advanced TB.
Further investigation often reveals that the patient is also HIV-positive.
HIV and TB have a synergistic relationship, meaning that TB can accelerate the progression of HIV to AIDS, while HIV can worsen TB infection.
TB treatment typically lasts a minimum of six months and can lead to a cure. However, unlike TB, HIV treatment only suppresses the virus and does not provide a cure, meaning lifelong medication is necessary to manage the disease.
Treating individuals with both TB and HIV presents unique challenges, as the medications for each condition can interact, leading to increased risk of adverse drug reactions.
As of now, the most effective strategy for preventing HIV transmission remains abstinence from unprotected sex.