Antiretroviral and Antituberculosis Therapy in HIV-TB Co-Infected Children

HIV-infected children experience a high burden of tuberculosis. With recent advances in international pediatric HIV treatment guidelines significant numbers of infants and children will require simultaneous treatment for both TB and HIV. This article attempts to concisely outline strategies for effective co-treatment of both infections. Rifamycins, an essential component of short course TB chemotherapy, alter the metabolism of a number of antiretroviral drugs. These interactions and their consequences are considered. Options for antiretroviral therapy and the optimal timing of its initiation in the presence of antituberculosis therapy are discussed.