When a patient has a TB and HIV co-infection, this makes TB more difficult to treat. The most important factor that makes the TB more difficult to overcome is the _____.

Question

Responses

damage that HIV does to the immune system
damage that HIV does to the immune system

possibilities of drug interactions
possibilities of drug interactions

load of HIV medications the patient is taking
load of HIV medications the patient is taking

attitude of the patient
attitude of the patient

Answer 1

The most important factor that makes the TB more difficult to overcome in a patient with a TB and HIV co-infection is the damage that HIV does to the immune system.

HIV compromises the immune system, specifically the CD4 T-cell count, making it harder for the body to fight off infections, including tuberculosis. This immune suppression increases susceptibility to both the development of active TB and complications during treatment.