Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV infection.

In the 1990s, outbreaks of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) among HIV-positive patients ultimately led to the establishment in the developed world of a comprehensive TB control strategy for these patients that is effective. The treatment regimen for HIV and MDR TB is complicated by the fact that most of the drugs used have not been studied for interactions with antivirals. Hence, overlapping toxicities require intensive management and monitoring of these patients. Good public health policy is essential to preventing MDR TB outbreaks among immunosuppressed patients.