Researchers warn of co-epidemic in Africa

Researchers say HIV complicates even the most basic diagnosis. (File photo) (Reuters: Antony Njuguna)

Doctors and AIDS activists are warning that an increasing number of simultaneous tuberculosis (TB) and HIV infections has created a deadly co-epidemic that is spreading throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

The Forum for Collaborative HIV Research says health systems in the region are unable to adequately diagnose, treat or contain the co-epidemic.

Researcher involved in the report, Dr Stephen Lawn, says HIV complicates even the most basic diagnosis.

"One of the problems with HIV is that it modifies how TB presents, so it changes the symptoms that people typically get and also makes it more difficult to diagnose," Dr Lawn said.