Global, Regional, and National Burden of HIV and Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis Co-Infection Among Adolescents and Young Adults (1990-2021)

BackgroundHIV and drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) co-infection severely affects adolescents and young adults (10-24 years), leading to a significant infectious disease burden, yet this age group remains overlooked. This study assessed the 1990-2021 global, regional, and national disease burden of HIV and DS-TB co-infection with a specific focus on adolescents and young adults (10-24 years).MethodsThe Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 (GBD 2021) estimates disaggregated by HIV status and TB drug susceptibility. Number and rates of the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of HIV and DS-TB co-infection from 1990 to 2021 at the global, regional, and national level among individuals aged 10-24 years were collected from GBD 2021. Trends were analyzed by sex and Sociodemographic Index (SDI).ResultsIn 2021, over 100 000 new cases and nearly 20 000 deaths were recorded globally, with the highest burden in low-SDI regions and Southern Africa. Globally, all metrics initially increased, then declined after reaching their peak. Higher disease burden occurred in females than in males.ConclusionHIV and DS-TB co-infection remains a critical public health challenge for adolescents and young adults. Greater attention must be directed to prevention, treatment, and care among adolescents and young adults.