Concurrent influenza virus infection and tuberculosis in patients hospitalized with respiratory illness in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand, where influenza viruses circulate year-round, is one of 22 WHO-designated high-burden countries for tuberculosis (TB). Surveillance for hospitalized respiratory illness between 2003 and 2011 revealed 23 (<1% of 7180 tested) with concurrent influenza and TB. Only two persons were previously known to have TB suggesting that acute respiratory illness may bring patients to medical attention and lead to TB diagnosis. Influenza/TB was not associated with higher disease severity or mortality.