Study Title: Incidence of self-reported tuberculosis treatment with community-wide universal testing and treatment for HIV and tuberculosis screening in Zambia and South Africa: A planned analysis of the HPTN 071 (PopART) cluster-randomised trial
Key Findings:
In a study involving over 1 million individuals, community-wide universal testing and treatment for HIV (UTT) combined with tuberculosis (TB) screening resulted in substantially lower TB incidence among people living with HIV (PLHIV) compared to standard-of-care, with statistical significance reached in the final study year. There was also some evidence this translated to a decrease in self-reported TB incidence overall in the population. Reduction in arm A but not B suggests UTT drove the observed effect.
Practical Implications:
This study supports the role of UTT in TB control, in addition to HIV control, in high TB/HIV burden settings. The findings highlight the potential impact of combining UTT with TB screening in reducing TB incidence among PLHIV at the population level.
Value:
These results provide valuable insights for public health interventions in high TB/HIV burden settings, emphasizing the importance of community-wide UTT and TB screening in controlling TB in these populations.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01900977
