UCLA

Setting

Publicly funded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinics in Los Angeles County, California, USA.

Background

HIV-infected persons are a high priority group for targeted testing and treatment for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the United States.

Objective

To describe rates of isoniazid (INH) initiation and completion among HIV-1 and M. tuberculosis co-infected persons in Los Angeles County.

Design

We conducted a cross-sectional study using routinely collected surveillance data from publicly funded HIV clinics. We examined differences in INH treatment initiation and completion between four clinic categories: the three largest clinics (Clinics A, B, and C) and 'Other' clinics (pooled data for the remaining 10 clinics).

Results

During 2010-2013, 802 (5.3%) of 15 029 HIV-1-infected persons tested positive for M. tuberculosis infection. INH was initiated in 581 (72.4%) persons, of whom 457 (78.7%) completed treatment. We found significant differences between clinics in terms of treatment initiation (range 59.1-93.4%) and completion (range 58.8-82.3%). Overall, 57% (457/802) of HIV and M. tuberculosis co-infected persons completed the recommended treatment (range across clinics 34.8-76.3%).

Conclusion

We identified significant gaps in the treatment for M. tuberculosis infection among HIV-infected persons in Los Angeles County. Interventions are needed to improve initiation and completion of treatment for M. tuberculosis infection in this population.