Tuberculosis combined with HIV infection: a review of WHO materials used by Russian authors in their publications

Abstract

In recent years, the problem of tuberculosis combined with HIV infection in Russia is on the central place in phthisiology, due to the wide spread of this pathology in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, low treatment efficiency and high mortality among patients of this group. In this regard, the materials of the World Health Organization, developed based on systematic scientific research, are of great importance in elaboration of national strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of tuberculosis among the patients with HIV infection.

The purpose of the study: to review the materials of the World Health Organization, devoted to various aspects of tuberculosis combined with HIV infection control, used by Russian authors in their scientific publications for the period from 1992 to 2017.

Materials and methods: materials of the World Health Organization (n=74) (reports, manuscripts, recommendations, etc.) on the problems of tuberculosis combined with HIV infection for the period of 23 years (1992–1993, 1995, 1997–1998, 2000–2017), used by the Russian authors in 136 scientific publications.

Results. The study showed that over a 23-year period of time (1992–1993, 1995, 1997–1998, 2000–2017) in 136 scientific publications of Russian authors, 74 materials of the World Health Organization on tuberculosis combined with HIV- infection were used, among which 23 materials were the most demanded, references to which were in 84 scientific publications. In recent years (2010–2017), the number of annual publications of Russian scientists with links to materials of the World Health Organization has increased significantly and ranged from 6 to 16. In addition, the assortment of materials has expanded, including, additionally to reports and recommendations, various guidelines, including clinical guidelines and protocols for the early diagnosis and treatment of patients with tuberculosis/HIV co-infection, as well as the prevention of tuberculosis among patients with HIV infection.