Tuberculosis and other HIV co-infections

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the most common opportunistic infection associated with HIV in South Africa and is a major cause of death among people living with HIV/AIDS. At the same time, the increased number of HIV-positive people fuels the TB epidemic, creating a deadly interaction of these two infections.

PHRU is investigating the intersection of TB and HIV through research into new TB treatment regimens, TB prevalence, TB-related deaths, HIV and tuberculosis clinical epidemiology and opportunistic and other infections.

PHRU established a formal partnership with Johns Hopkins University [external link] in 2000 to investigate the interaction of TB and HIV and the impact on South African communities. The TB research programme investigates:

• Novel TB prevention regimens for HIV-infected adults
• TB prevalence in HIV-infected pregnant women
• High early mortality in patients with a clinical diagnosis of TB
• TB incidence in HIV-infected children
• Prevention of TB in HIV-infected adults
• The utility of GIS technology to assist with TB patient follow-up
• TB Mortality
• Active case findings for TB in HAART treated adults

Clinical Trials and Research

PHRU researchers explore the many facets of TB and HIV, conducting research in both Soweto and with the Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp, South Africa.

Learn more about our ongoing clinical trials and research studies.

Health Information

Learn more about tuberculosis.