👉 Coinfection with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and another pathogen, such as tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B or C, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), is a complex and significant health issue. This type of co-infection occurs when an individual is simultaneously infected by multiple pathogens. The presence of one pathogen can exacerbate the progression and severity of infection by the other, leading to more rapid disease progression, increased morbidity, and higher mortality rates. For example, HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections like TB, which can then become more severe or resistant to treatment. Coinfections also complicate diagnosis and treatment, as symptoms may overlap or mask each other, requiring a more comprehensive and integrated approach to healthcare management.
