Potenciais implicações da co-infecção HIV e mycobacteríum lepras em saúde pública

Abstract

In this paper we review the evidences for the interactions between HIV infection and Leprosy in a framework of control programs and research development in the last two decades. We outlined the several hypothesis and questions raised by the possible effects of the co-infection of HIV/AIDS and Mycobacterium leprae infection in altering the course of each disease and in the development of more severe cases. Issues related to adverse interaction of the standardized drug therapy when applied simultaneously for both disease/infection and the implications in BCG vaccination in developing countries were also discussed. The interaction between AIDS and Tuberculosis was used as example of well-known scientific biological interacíion between HIV infection and infectious disease and to draw some parallel with other Mycobacterias. The comprehension of the interactions between HIV infection and Mycobacterium leprae remains of primary importance in order to implement scientifically based prevention and treatment in public health programs.