Clinical manifestations of AIDS include infectious diseases caused by ‘conditionally pathogenic’ microbial and fungal flora. Among them, tuberculosis and mycobacteriosis account for up to 60%. It is one of the most common diseases among HIV-infected individuals worldwide, and the main cause of death. The likelihood of contracting the disease increases 5 years after HIV infection, more often at stage 3. The clinic and prognosis of tuberculosis depend on the degree of immune response impairment.
Often there is involvement of the intrathoracic lymph nodes (bilateral lymphadenopathy). In caseous necrosis, mediastinitis and pericarditis are common. Generalized tuberculosis with the involvement of many organs is more common. In the lungs, there are extensive infiltrates with cavities. The disease often has a wave-like course.
Diagnosis:
- Mantoux test may be negative (immunosuppression);
- detection of MBT through examination, culture;
- biopsy of the affected organ;
- detection of specific antibodies in blood serum and BAL;
- history — contact, previous tuberculosis.
HIV-infected and AIDS patients should be referred to the risk group for tuberculosis, especially with residual post-tuberculosis changes.