It’s important to note that not everyone infected with Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria will automatically develop the disease. The majority of those infected can clear the infection on their own.
Around 90% of cases are among adults, with more men affected than women.
However, one of the main challenges in combating TB lies in diagnosing TB infection and disease, especially in cases of co-infection with HIV.
“Tuberculosis and HIV are global health issues, particularly in Indonesia, where addressing them requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving clinical and public health perspectives, and must also consider humanitarian aspects,” said Professor Yanri Wijayanti Subronto, a medical specialist in tropical and infectious diseases at UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), during her inauguration as professor of tropical and infectious diseases on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at UGM’s Senate Hall.
In her inaugural speech titled ‘Tuberculosis and HIV: A Review of Clinical, Public Health, and Humanitarian Aspects,’ Professor Subronto explained that TB diagnostic methods have evolved, such as the GeneXpert M. tuberculosis/resistance to Rifampicin (MTB/RIF) or Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Assay, which can detect the presence of TB bacteria and determine resistance to Rifampicin.
“This test is recommended by WHO as the first-line diagnostic method, replacing sputum smear microscopy,” she noted.
She highlighted that one method to prevent TB in HIV patients is through tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT), which involves giving a combination of one or two TB drugs to HIV patients who do not have active TB.
TPT is administered for 3 to 6 months, depending on the type of TPT drug used, with a 3-month regimen for INH + Rifapentine or 6 months for INH alone.
“TPT is expected to prevent the onset of TB in HIV patients, and its protective effect can last for 3-5 years,” she explained.
Professor Subronto emphasized that TB and HIV remain significant issues in clinical medicine, public health, and healthcare systems, as well as in humanitarian terms, due to the stigma and marginalization of those affected.
“It’s time for us to be more tolerant, less judgmental, and provide care with an open mind and heart,” she said.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang
Photographer: Firsto