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Tuberculosis and AIDS

This report, for health professionals, government agencies, and organizations, presents information about HIV/AIDS and TB. It provides epidemiological statistics concerning the relationship between HIV/AIDS and TB, including incidence, morbidity rates, and mortality rates. It discusses TB and HIV transmission, how HIV can facilitate the development of active TB, and recommendations for the prevention of TB among HIV-positive persons.

MMWR: Clinical Update: Impact of HIV Protease Inhibitors on the Treatment of HIV - Infected Tuberculosis Patients With Rifampin

This report describes approaches for managing patients with TB who are candidates for or who are undergoing protease inhibitor therapy and presents interim recommendations for managing these patients until additional data are available and formal guidelines are issued. Protease inhibitors interact with rifamycin derivatives, which are used to treat and prevent the mycobacterial infections commonly observed in patients with the HIV. The report provides background information on the management of TB and the three treatment options currently available for these patients.

Increases in Unsafe Sex and Rectal Gonorrhea Among Men Who Have Sex With Men -- San Francisco, CA, 1994-1997

This journal discusses a range of issues related to STDs and HIV/AIDS. It analyzes a study that shows an increase in unprotected sex and rectal gonorrhea among gay men in San Francisco, CA. It provides statistical data from this study and discusses data collection methodology. The serial examines another study used to determine the frequency with which people get tested or are willing to be tested for HIV, and analyzes the results.

MMWR: Notice to Readers: Use of Short-Course Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy Regimens in HIV-Seronegative Persons

This report in the form of a notice to readers states that CDC in conjunction with the American Thoracic Society expects to issue new guidelines on screening and preventive therapy for TB that will include a recommendation on the use of the two-month regimen of daily rifampin and pyrazinamide (2RZ) as an alternative to 12-month isoniazid for prevention of TB in HIV-negative persons for whom preventive therapy is indicated. A comparative trial of the 2RZ regimen in HIV-negative persons has not been conducted.

MMWR: Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection and HCV-Related Chronic Disease

This report discusses the hepatitis C virus (HCV), how it is treated, and how it can be prevented. The report examines the epidemiology of HCV. It discusses the screening tests, history, general treatment, and postexposure prophylaxis for HCV. The report explains the ways that HCV can be transmitted from person to person and how the virus can be spread through bodily fluid. It identifies the most serious high risk behaviors such as injection drug use and certain sexual practices. The report cites the risks associated with health care work.

Policy Efforts to Increase IDUs' Access to Sterile Syringes

This information sheet explains that in order to reduce the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne infections, injecting drug users (IDUs), who cannot or will not stop injecting drugs, must have access to sterile syringes and injection equipment. However, many laws and regulations prohibit IDUs from purchasing these items. Some states have changed these laws and regulations and have seen positive results.

Pharmacy Sales of Sterile Syringes

This information sheet discusses the role of pharmacies in efforts to help injecting drug users (IDUs) gain access to sterile syringes and equipment in order to reduce their risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and other blood-borne diseases.The information sheet lists advantages of pharmacy sales, the barriers to pharmacy sales, the changes that some states have made to legalize pharmacy sales, and suggestions for encouraging more pharmacy sales of syringes to IDUs who will not or cannot stop injecting drugs.

Syringe Exchange Programs

This information sheet supports the use of syringe exchange programs (SEPs) for injecting drug users, who will not or cannot stop injecting drugs, as one method of lowering the risk of IDUs acquiring or transmitting HIV. SEPs allow IDUs to safely dispose of used syringes and obtain sterile ones at no cost and offer prevention and health care education and services. The information sheet discusses the public health impact of SEPs and considers the challenges for SEPs and ways of supporting access to sterile syringes through SEPs.

Syringe Disposal

This information sheet discusses the problem of safe disposal of used syringes by diabetics as well as injecting drug users (IDUs) to prevent needlestick injuries and transmission of blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis. The information sheet explains the public concern with syringe disposal, presents safe disposal methods that have been used in some communities, and notes that barriers to syringe disposal programs include laws that establish criminal penalties for distribution and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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