Subject(s)
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary , Tuberculosis , Humans , Lung , Treatment Outcome , Tuberculosis/diagnosis , Tuberculosis/drug therapyABSTRACT
Evidence is accumulating on the interaction between tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19. The aim of the present review is to report the available evidence on the interaction between these two infections. Differences and similarities of TB and COVID-19, their immunological features, diagnostics, epidemiological and clinical characteristics and public health implications are discussed. The key published documents and guidelines on the topic have been reviewed. Based on the immunological mechanism involved, a shared dysregulation of immune responses in COVID-19 and TB has been found, suggesting a dual risk posed by co-infection worsening COVID-19 severity and favouring TB disease progression. The available evidence on clinical aspects suggests that COVID-19 happens regardless of TB occurrence either before, during or after an active TB diagnosis. More evidence is required to determine if COVID-19 may reactivate or worsen active TB disease. The role of sequeale and the need for further rehabilitation must be further studied Similarly, the potential role of drugs prescribed during the initial phase to treat COVID-19 and their interaction with anti-TB drugs require caution. Regarding risk of morbidity and mortality, several risk scores for COVID-19 and independent risk factors for TB have been identified: including, among others, age, poverty, malnutrition and co-morbidities (HIV co-infection, diabetes, etc.). Additional evidence is expected to be provided by the ongoing global TB/COVID-19 study.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Coinfection/epidemiology , Public Health/methods , Tuberculosis/epidemiology , COVID-19/pathology , Coinfection/pathology , Comorbidity , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Tuberculosis/pathologySubject(s)
COVID-19/economics , Pandemics/economics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Socioeconomic FactorsSubject(s)
Coronavirus Infections , Global Health , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Coinfection , Communicable Disease Control/organization & administration , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Health Services Needs and Demand , Humans , International Health Regulations , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2 , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/epidemiology , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/therapyABSTRACT
On April 1st, 2020, COVID-19 surpassed tuberculosis regarding the number of deaths per day worldwide. The combination of tuberculosis and COVID-19 has great potential for morbidity and mortality. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. In this review article, we address concurrent tuberculosis and COVID-19, with particular regard to the differences between Brazil and Europe. In addition, we discuss priorities in clinical care, public health, and research.