Karla Elva Loza

Dr. Karla Elva Loza

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GCGuillermo Eduardo Cuéllar-Nevarez
Guillermo Eduardo Cuéllar-Nevarez
Jose Linares MoralesJose Linares Morales
Jose Linares Morales
Luis Arturo Camacho SilvasLuis Arturo Camacho Silvas
Luis Arturo Camacho Silvas
SHSandra Guadalupe Chavarría Hidalgo
Sandra Guadalupe Chavarría Hidalgo
Guadalupe Virginia Nevárez-MoorillónGuadalupe Virginia Nevárez-Moorillón
Guadalupe Virginia Nevárez-Moorillón
KLKarla Elva Loza
Karla Elva Loza
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), in whom immunosuppression often results in atypical clinical manifestations, paucibacillary disease, extrapulmonary involvement, and disseminated forms that complicate timely diagnosis. This narrative review summarizes current and emerging diagnostic approaches for TB-HIV, with emphasis on their diagnostic performance, clinical applicability, implementation challenges, and potential integration into future algorithms. Conventional methods, including sputum smear microscopy, mycobacterial culture, and chest radiography, remain relevant but have important limitations in people living with HIV (PLHIV), particularly in advanced immunosuppression. Rapid molecular tests, especially Xpert MTB/RIF and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra, have improved early detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance, although diagnostic gaps persist in sputum-scarce and extrapulmonary disease. Non-sputum-based tests, particularly WHO-recommended urine LF-LAM and emerging next-generation assays such as FujiLAM II, offer important opportunities for severely ill patients and those with advanced HIV disease. Host-derived biomarkers, transcriptomic signatures, and artificial intelligence-assisted chest imaging may further strengthen screening, triage, and diagnostic prioritization. Integrated, context-adapted diagnostic algorithms combining microbiological, molecular, urinary, imaging, and host-response tools are needed to improve early TB detection and reduce mortality in resource-limited settings.