Key points
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health threat, especially for people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- People with HIV should get tested for TB.
- TB can be treated with medication.
Conditions that can increase risk
Worldwide, TB is one of the leading causes of death among people with HIV.
People with HIV are more likely than people without HIV to become sick with active TB disease. This is because HIV weakens the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight TB germs.
Talk to your health care provider
How it affects your health
Testing
If you have HIV, it is important to know if you are infected with TB germs. HIV weakens the immune system. When a person's immune system is weak, inactive TB can quickly progress to active TB disease. If you have HIV, it is very important to get a TB test.
If you know your HIV status, tell your health care provider when you get a TB test. Some people with HIV will have a negative test result even if they are infected with TB germs. This is because the immune system, which causes the reaction to the tests, is not working properly. People with HIV who have a negative TB test may need further medical evaluation, especially if they have symptoms of TB disease.
If you have inactive TB or active TB disease and you do not know your HIV status, you should get an HIV test. This will help your health care provider know how to treat your TB and HIV infections.
Treatment
Even if you have HIV, both inactive TB and active TB disease can be treated with medication.
Inactive TB
If you have inactive TB and HIV, you are at high risk for developing TB disease. You will need treatment for inactive TB as soon as possible to prevent active TB disease.
Active TB disease
If you have active TB disease, you must take medicine to treat the disease. Without treatment, TB disease can cause you to get very sick or even die. It’s important to get the required follow-up tests, follow your health care provider's advice, and take the medicine as prescribed.