Tuberculosis and HIV / AIDS - is there a Link?

HIV and Tuberculosis form a lethal combination, each speeding the other's progress. HIV and TB weaken the immune system. Someone who is HIV-positive and infected with Tuberculosis bacilli is many times more likely to become sick with TB than someone infected with Tuberculosis bacilli that is HIV-negative.

Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death among people who are HIV-positive. It accounts for about 13% of AIDS deaths worldwide. In Africa, HIV is the single most important factor determining the increased incidence of Tuberculosis in the past 10 years.