Technical Update
Areas of Africa endemic for Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, also have a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with adult prevalence rates between 1% and 5% (Maps). However, there is limited inf
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ormation on the prevalence of BU–HIV coinfection. Preliminary
evidence suggests that HIV infection may increase the risk of BU disease (1–3). In the Médecins Sans Frontières project in Akonolinga, Cameroon, HIV prevalence was approximately 3–6 times higher among BU patients than the regional estimated HIV prevalence (2). Similarly in Benin and Ghana, BU
patients were 8 times and 3 times respectively more likely to have HIV infection than those without BU (1, 3). Further study is needed to clarify this association and enhance knowledge about the prevalence ofBU–HIV coinfection in endemic areas.
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The new WHO guidelines recommend that people living with HIV be started on antiretrovirals (ARVs) as soon as possible after being diagnosed. Currently, many people living with the virus globally must wait until their CD4 counts fall to 500 to start
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treatment. According to the WHO, the move to early treatment –or what some have dubbed the “test and treat” model –is backed by the latest research.
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Tropical Medicine and International Health volume 21 no 1 pp 101-107 january 2016
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention.
Division of Tuberculosis Elimination.
Recommendations and Reports: Evidence For Action Briefing Paper Issue 06, December 2010
Briefing Paper, December 2010, Issue 06