The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has recommended HIV screening for all TB patients unless the patient declines (opt-out screening).
The Association general secretary K.K. Aggarwal noted that persons with TB disease and persons with latent TB infection should also be covered. “Routine HIV testing is also recommended for persons suspected of having TB disease, persons diagnosed with latent TB infection, and contacts to TB patients,’’ noted IMA.
A resolution was passed by IMA during its annual national review meeting on TB held in the city recently. The Association has released a set of points for discussion among the policy makers and physicians.
“HIV infection is the most important known risk factor for progression from latent TB infection to TB disease,’’ noted Dr. Aggarwal. He added that progression to TB disease is often rapid among people infected with HIV and can be deadly. TB outbreaks can rapidly expand in patient groups infected with HIV.
