Tuberculosis remains a problem in COVID-19 times: update on situation in Europe and Slovakia in 2019

ABSTRACT

The epidemiological situation of tuberculosis (TB) in most countries with a low TB incidence is characterized by low transmission rates in the general population and occasional outbreaks. At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we should expect it to increase in the post-pandemic period. Most cases of active TB are caused by the reactivation of latent tuberculosis. High concentrations of the disease are recorded in certain risk groups (poor people, homeless people, migrants, prisoners, ethnic minorities and people living with HIV infection or other diseases, excessive drinkers, drug addicts and other marginalized groups). At a time of increasing migration, TB will not be permanently eliminated in any country unless it is eradicated worldwide.