PREVALENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS/ HIV CO-INFECTION AND ITS EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN THE WEST MACROREGION OF PARANÁ

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV. From the moment HIV infects the body, the immune system is compromised, becoming more susceptible to the progression of latent TB to active disease, which makes diagnosis and treatment much more complex. In Brazil, TB/HIV co-infection is a significant public health problem, especially in places with high rates of poverty and social inequality. Understanding the epidemiological profile of this co-infection is essential for developing more effective control strategies and for the adequate allocation of health resources. This is an observational study of a descriptive and quantitative nature using data obtained from the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Epidemiological characteristics were analyzed based on variables such as gender, ethnicity, age group, socioeconomic context, type of entry and case closure.