A Retrospective Study of Covid-19 Disease in Confirmed Tuberculosis Patients from a Tertiary Care Centre in Ahmedabad

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is long standing disease and SARS-COV-2 being global pandemic in current era. Interactions between SARS-COV-2 and TB needs analysis, as both has major infection-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate impact of super imposing viral pandemic over chronic diseases like tuberculosis. Methodology: A Retrospective study done in 75 patients registered under RNTCP program at our centre. Epidemiological data, diagnostic timing of TB, duration of AKT, history of SARS-COV-2 symptoms and SARS-COV-2 diagnostic result were evaluated. Analysis conducted based on incidence of COVID-19 infection in active cases of TB. Results: Male: Female ratio was 1.88:1 with majority belongs to age group of 35 to 55years. Only 3 patients developed influenza like symptoms who tested negative for SARS-COV-2. None COVID-19 suspected or positive patient were reported amongst laboratory confirmed TB patients taking AKT, indicating TB drugs definitely have some impact on SARS-COV-2 virus. Conclusion: TB and COVID-19 co-infection has limited cases. Very few individuals who were exposed to SARS-COV-2 during AKT treatment developed influenza like symptoms, however tested negative for SARS-COV-2. A larger study is needed to understand any role played by TB infection or AKT drugs on covid-19 disease.