HIV links to TB explained

The reason why people with HIV are more likely to contract TB as well has been explained by researchers.

According to scientists at Harvard, HIV can 'switch off' the body's natural response to TB by interfering with the immune system.

In a report in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, Harvard researchers led by Naimish Patel noted that immune cells called alveolar macrophages have less response to the TB bacterium in people who are HIV positive.

"HIV/TB co-infection is a critical global health problem, especially in developing countries," Mr Patel said.

He added: "We hope that these findings will lead to further studies and possible new therapies for treating or preventing TB in HIV disease."

John Wherry, deputy editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, added that the study "sheds light" on the issue of HIV and TB co-infection and called the diseases two of the most difficult health challenges in human history.

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