Relapse in Persons Treated for Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis in a Population with High Coinfection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in New York City

The optimal duration of tuberculosis treatment for persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been debated. A cohort of 4571 culture-positive drug-susceptible patients who received ⩾24 weeks of standard 4-drug tuberculosis treatment were assessed to determine the incidence of tuberculosis relapse. Tuberculosis “recurrence” was defined as having a positive culture 36 weeks to have a recurrence (7.9% vs. 1.4%, P < .001). Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of recurrence of tuberculosis 6–9 months after the start of treatment. Sputum evaluation to ensure cure or assessment 3 months after completion of treatment should be performed among persons infected with HIV who receive the shorter regimen.