Ugeskrift for laeger
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Feb 1997
Review[Tuberculosis and the HIV pandemic. Risk of nosocomial tuberculosis infection].
Spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has had a major impact on the epidemiology of tuberculosis. In several African countries the incidence of tuberculosis has doubled, and the prevalence of HIV infection among patients with tuberculosis is 20 to 60%. A similar change has occurred in some developed countries. ⋯ The mortality among patients has been high, and there have been several cases of transmission to healthcare workers. Analyses of these recent outbreaks indicate that it is possible to intervene by well known prophylactic measures. Rapid diagnosis and treatment, and correct isolation procedures are essential to prevent outbreaks.