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The interplay of tuberculosis and COVID-19: Insights into global health challenges

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Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB), an ancient disease, has plagued humankind for centuries, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has worsened the crisis. This article discusses various intersecting aspects of TB and COVID-19, including transmission, co-infection, progression, and resurgence, which underline the necessity of a coordinated response. The respiratory transmission routes shared by both diseases, coupled with overlapping symptoms, complicate their diagnosis. The relationship between COVID-19 and TB is complex, where TB patients could be predisposed to severe COVID-19 due to potential lung damage inflicted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Also, the disrupted healthcare services and quarantine practices attributed to COVID-19 pandemic could delay treatment and enable the spread of TB, highlighting their complex interplay. The sustenance of TB services amid the pandemic involving improvised diagnosis and access to treatment remains vital. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of coordination between policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers for developing comprehensive plans for transparent global surveillance systems, treatment regimens, and providing equitable access to healthcare resources, which constitute the key steps for alleviating the dual threat of TB and COVID-19.

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Acknowledgements

KS acknowledges the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, for the DBT-RLS fellowship and BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, for funding. KS acknowledges Neethu RS for her help in creating figure 1 by the application of BioRender.com.

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  1. Genetics and Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana, 500078, India

    Kirtimaan Syal

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Syal, K. The interplay of tuberculosis and COVID-19: Insights into global health challenges. J Biosci 50, 14 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12038-025-00496-5

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