Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Calisman, E.
Effects of Tuberculosis and HIV Co-morbidities on the Cardiovascular System and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Current Literature
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2017. pp. 76
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Goswami Nandu
- Rössler Andreas
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background: HIV and TB impose an immense burden on our global health. Especially HIV/TB co-infection that affects particularly low and middle-income countries, challenges health systems on site. At the same time, the incidence of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases is growing in developing countries. Above all, sub-Saharan Africa is increasingly confronted with a triple burden of disease (HIV, TB and cardiovascular diseases). TB and HIV are respectively correlated with cardiovascular diseases. However, it is still questionable by now, how HIV and TB co-infection alters the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Aims and objectives: The aim of this diploma thesis is to search current literature about the pathophysiological effects of HIV and tuberculosis co-infection on the development of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, this thesis examines how treatment of HIV and TB modifies the risk of cardiovascular disease development. Methodology: A systematic review of primary and secondary literature was carried out to gather information about the main questions of this thesis. Medical databases provided current publications. The libraries of the Medical University of Graz and the Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz allowed access to textbooks concerning infectious and tropical diseases as well as to cardiovascular diseases. Guidelines and recent data from the World Health Organisation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were added to this thesis. Results: 207 references were surveyed for this diploma thesis. Of those, 41 full text publications were identified as relevant for the discussion part. Discussion: It appears that the infectious agents m. tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus contribute to atherosclerosis formation and cardiovascular disease evolvement through direct and indirect pathways. Immune activation, chronic inflammation and autoimmune mechanisms fuel the development of atherosclerotic plaques and consequently cardiovascular complications. However, it remains unclear how the co-infection of HIV and TB affects the cardiovascular risk. This review highlights the need for further research in this context. EndoAfrica, a research project that studies cardiovascular health in South Africa, explores interactions between HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy regimens and endothelial dysfunction leading to cardiovascular events in the South African population. Attention needs to be drawn to systematic studies like the EndoAfrica project in which this relationship can be investigated.