Impact of HIV on mortality among patients treated for tuberculosis in Lima, Peru: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated tuberculosis deaths have decreased worldwide over the past decade. We sought to evaluate the effect of HIV status on tuberculosis mortality among patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis in Lima, Peru, a low HIV prevalence setting.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients treated for tuberculosis between 2005 and 2008 in two adjacent health regions in Lima, Peru (Lima Ciudad and Lima Este).

Aggressive regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis decrease all-cause mortality.

Rationale: A better understanding of the composition of optimal treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is essential for expanding universal access to effective treatment and for developing new therapies for MDR-TB. Analysis of observational data may inform the definition of an optimized regimen.

Objectives: This study assessed the impact of an aggressive regimen-one containing at least five likely effective drugs, including a fluoroquinolone and injectable-on treatment outcomes in a large MDR-TB patient cohort.

Validation and abbreviation of an HIV stigma scale in an adult spanish-speaking population in urban Peru.

The purpose of this study was to validate the Spanish version of the Berger HIV Stigma Scale in an urban Spanish-speaking population in Peru and create a valid and reliable abridged version of the scale. Participants were HIV-infected adults enrolled in an observational study to examine the effectiveness of a community-based antiretroviral therapy adherence intervention. Approximately half of participants were female, and the median age at enrollment was 30.

Comprehensive treatment of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Background: Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis has been reported in 45 countries, including countries with limited resources and a high burden of tuberculosis. We describe the management of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis and treatment outcomes among patients who were referred for individualized outpatient therapy in Peru.

Methods: A total of 810 patients were referred for free individualized therapy, including drug treatment, resective surgery, adverse-event management, and nutritional and psychosocial support.