COVID-19 and tuberculosis co-infection: a neglected paradigm

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2020 Sep 4;90(3). doi: 10.4081/monaldi.2020.1437.

Abstract

COVID-19 has been affecting mankind round the globe. The incidence of this infectious disease of respiratory origin is constantly on rise. Another infectious disease widely prevalent is tuberculosis (TB). During past corona virus pandemics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, coinfection with TB was seen. We present this review as the co-infection of COVID-19 with TB has not been assessed yet, imposing a greater global threat. We suggest few measures to be implemented without delay for effectively screening the suspects of co-infection and also follow up of non-suspect patients in the post-pandemic phase.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asymptomatic Infections
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coinfection*
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Pandemics
  • Patient Isolation
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / complications*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / complications*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / diagnosis