What is the goal of treatment of TB-HIV co-infection?
4. What is the type and duration of treatment of TB in patients co-infected with HIV? The principle of therapy remains the same for both HIV-positive and HIV-negative TB patients. Thus, in most circumstances, the treatment regimen for all adults with previously untreated tuberculosis should consist of two phases: • A two-month initial phase of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. This is followed by a continuation phase of treatment for either four or seven months. The four-month continuation phase should be used in the majority of patients. • Whenever possible, the six-month short course drug combination should be recommended to all HIV-positive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. All patients should be given 10-25 mg of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) with isoniazid dosing.
