Antibiotic Cuts Deaths, Hospitalizations in HIV-Infected Africans With TB
An inexpensive antibiotic already widely used in the United States can sharply reduce deaths and hospitalizations in HIV-positive Africans who contract tuberculosis, according to a joint study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ivory Coast Ministry of Health. A combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole is commonly used to prevent pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in the United States, but its use is rare in Africa.
Dr. Madeleine Sassan-Morokro of the Health Ministry reported at the AIDS Congress that use of the drug combination in addition to conventional TB treatment produced a 48% reduction in deaths and a 44% reduction in hospitalizations, compared to those who received only conventional care. She speculated that the drugs prevent toxoplasmosis, salmonellosis, pneumococcal pneumonia and bacteremia, all of which are common among HIV-positive individuals with tuberculosis.
Reported from Geneva by Times medical writer Thomas H. Maugh II
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
