The epidemiological dimension of TB/HIV co-infection.

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological indicators of TB/HIV co-infection in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil from 1998 to 2006. Data of new TB cases that initiated treatment between January 1998 and December 2006 were obtained from the TB Notification System (EPI-TB) and 306 cases were reported. The incidence rate was 5.1/100,000 inhabitants in 2006. Most cases were men (72.5%) with ages ranging between 20 and 59 years (96.4 %). The majority (51%) had incomplete primary education. Pulmonary TB was the most common type (52.9%) and 46.1% of the patients received supervised treatment. In 2006, the cure rate was 33.3%, 14.3% death rate and no patient abandoned the treatment. Diagnosis occurred at the hospital in 60% of the cases. Results show the need of improved coordination between the city's Tuberculosis Control Program and the Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV Program.