Intensive Tuberculosis Screening for HIV‐Infected Patients Starting Antiretroviral Therapy in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Nearly 20% of patients starting ART in Durban, South Africa, had undiagnosed, culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Despite WHO recommendations, neither cough nor AFB smear were adequately sensitive for screening. Tuberculosis sputum cultures should be performed before ART initiation, regardless of symptoms, in areas with a high prevalence of HIV and tuberculosis.