Zambian trial re-inforces efficacy of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis

In the first double-blind, placebo controlled trial of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis carried out, researchers in Zambia have backed up the previous finding of reduced mortality among adults co-infected with HIV and TB. Previous studies from Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal were observational - and showed the same effect.

Researchers looked at two groups of adults with HIV infection who had never received antiretrovirals - a total of 1003 patients. One group were newly diagnosed with TB and receiving treatment either for the first time or after relapse and patients previously treated who were not receiving treatment.

Prophylaxis with co-trimoxazole was found to reduce mortality in HIV-infected patients who also suffered from TB and was safe and well-tolerated.