Evolución de la coinfección por TB/VIH en la Región Metropolitana de Chile, 2005 a 2018 / Evolution of tuberculosis/HIV coinfection in Metropolitan Santiago, Chile from 2005 to 2018

ABSTRACT

Background: Tuberculosis (TB)/HIV coinfection has a high mortality rate. Aim: To describe socio-epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis (TB)-HIV coinfection, and aspects associated with its prevalence, from 2005 to 2018. Material and Methods: Analysis of the registry of the tuberculosis control and elimination program of three public health services of metropolitan Santiago. The variables considered were TB/HIV coinfection, age, sex, location of tuberculosis, bacteriological confirmation, incarceration, commune of residence, country of origin and effectiveness of the tuberculosis therapy. Results: We analyzed 7507 TB cases, of whom 12% corresponded to cases of coinfection. The number of coinfections doubled in the last 6 years. In 2018, 45% of coinfection cases occurred in migrants. Of the total cases evaluated, 53% were successfully treated and 28% died. Conclusions: The remarkable increase in TB/HIV coinfection, urgently demands new prevention and control strategies, aimed at the most vulnerable groups.