Which statement about TB screening in HIV care is correct?

Which statement about TB screening in HIV care is correct?

• A. TB screening is always performed.
• B. TB screening is never performed.
• C. TB screening is only done if symptoms.
• D. TB screening replaces HIV testing.

Answer: (A)

Screening for TB is routinely and universally integrated into HIV care because TB is a leading opportunistic infection in people with HIV and early detection improves treatment outcomes and reduces transmission. People with HIV are more likely to progress from latent TB infection to active TB, and some may have active TB without clear symptoms at first, so checking for TB at diagnosis and at regular follow-ups helps catch both active disease and latent infection that could later become active. This is why performing TB screening at all visits is preferred. Screening only when symptoms are present would miss cases, and TB screening does not replace HIV testing.

Screening for TB is routinely and universally integrated into HIV care because TB is a leading opportunistic infection in people with HIV and early detection improves treatment outcomes and reduces transmission. People with HIV are more likely to progress from latent TB infection to active TB, and some may have active TB without clear symptoms at first, so checking for TB at diagnosis and at regular follow-ups helps catch both active disease and latent infection that could later become active. This is why performing TB screening at all visits is preferred. Screening only when symptoms are present would miss cases, and TB screening does not replace HIV testing.