In 2010 and thereafter, three clinical trials, ie, SAPIT
(Starting Antiretroviral therapy at three Points In Tuberculosis
therapy), CAMELIA (Cambodian Early versus
Late Introduction of Antiretroviral Drugs), and STRIDE
(Immediate Versus Deferred Start of Anti-HIV Therapy in
HIV-Infected Adults Being Treated for Tuberculosis), conclusively
confirmed that starting antiretroviral therapy within
2 weeks of initiation of TB therapy in patients with HIVassociated
pulmonary TB and CD4 counts , 50 cells/mm3
is beneficial to reducing the mortality and incidence of new
AIDS-defining illnesses. A logistical challenge in the
developing world sees patients with suspected TB-HIV coinfection
as needing to have their CD4 cell counts measured at
the time of sputum microscopy. In our present study, 30%
of the deceased patients could not have their CD4 count
measured until death.