TB and HIV in the Central African region: current knowledge and knowledge gaps

Abstract

Despite the relatively high burden of HIV and TB in the Central African region, the amount of research activities on these topics is limited. A better understanding of the co-epidemics in this region is urgently needed. The occurrence of opportunistic infections, treatment complications and drug resistance in TB and HIV need to be better described; the failure of public health systems needs to be understood, and research infrastructure needs to be developed. Only then will it be possible to turn the tide against the HIV and TB epidemics in this region.

Community knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to tuberculosis in Cameroon

“…3 Given, however, that the amount of research being conducted on these diseases in Cameroon is far from optimal, understanding Cameroonians' KAP about TB provides further evidence for the control of this disease in the community. The present study brought to light existing knowledge gaps, cultural beliefs and behavioural patterns that may facilitate the design of TB control interventions in Cameroon.…”

“…2 As in other sub-Saharan countries, the TB burden in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals continues to increase, and the prevalence of pulmonary TB in HIV-infected individuals is significantly higher than in the general population. 3 In 2013, an estimated incidence rate of 87 cases/100 000 was reported for TB-HIV co-infection, and 2.6% of all newly diagnosed patients had multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), i.e., they were resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the two most powerful first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. 4 In light of this dismal epidemiological situation, the National TB Control Programme (NTCP) may need to accelerate its efforts to meet the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals.…”

Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome and Drug Resistance in Lambaréné, Gabon: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…1 In contrast, disproportionately little data are available about local disease epidemiology, resistance pattern, and treatment outcomes. 3 TB prevalence and HIV infection rate in Gabon are estimated at 578 per 100,000 and 4.1%, respectively. 4,5 The country has been allocated support for TB control by the Global Fund only since 2015; until then, financing and operation of the national TB program has been under national responsibility.…”

Enhanced laboratory capacity development: a boost for effective tuberculosis control in resource-limited settings

“…The (co)prevalence of TB and HIV in the Central African region was reviewed 13 and an epidemiological study of TB was conducted in Lambaré né (the PanEpi study) between 2012 and 2013, 14 during which 201 adult and paediatric TB patients were enrolled with active follow-up; 66% had bacteriologically confirmed TB and 95% had pulmonary TB. The HIV co-infection rate was 42% in adults and 16% in children.…”