A randomized clinical trial carried out by Cambodian, French and American collaborators in Cambodia has shown that survival is dramatically enhanced in people co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis when treatment for HIV is started rapidly after initiation of tuberculosis treatment. The results, to be presented July 22 at the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna, answer an important question about the timing of the complicated treatment regimen required to successfully treat this common and deadly co-infection in resource-limited countries.

The Cambodian Health Committee, with support from the Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation, initiated a cross sectional epidemiology study in Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia at the beginning of July. This six month study will enroll up to 1,000 infants and children less than five years old. The primary objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis among BCG-vaccinated children in two operational districts of Svay Rieng Province. The study will help guide the national TB program in Cambodia towards achieving adequate treatment of TB in children while testing the optimal diagnostic approach to determine whether or not a child has TB. The focus on diagnosis of TB in children will enhance care of all children with TB and the rapid detection of disease so that children can access rapid care.