Final answer:
Relative risk of contracting TB in HIV patients versus the general population depends on factors such as region and access to health services, with higher risk in areas of high HIV prevalence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relative risk (RR) of contracting tuberculosis (TB) in HIV patients compared to the general population is calculated by dividing the incidence rate of TB in individuals with HIV by the incidence rate in the general population without HIV. However, the exact RR can vary due to factors such as geographic location, access to health services, the prevalence of HIV in the population, and the presence of programs for TB prevention and treatment.
For instance, given that East and Southern Africa have an HIV prevalence of 7.1%, and that HIV has a profound impact on the immune system, it is likely that the RR for contracting TB would be higher in that region compared to areas with lower HIV prevalence. Additionally, the natural history of HIV infection, leading to a weakened immune system, underscores the increased susceptibility of HIV patients to opportunistic infections such as TB.