Tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Progressive human immunodeficiency virus infection eventually leads to activation and dissemination of a wide variety of microorganisms normally held in check by the cellular immune system. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of these pathogens, and the disease caused by it has become a common presenting infection in the patient with AIDS. Dr. Richard E. Chaisson and Dr. Gary Slutkin have studied tuberculosis in the United States and worldwide, respectively. In this AIDS Commentary they address the unique nature of this infection, its diagnosis, and its treatment in the patient with AIDS.