COVID-19 and TB co-infection in suspected tuberculosis cases

Introduction: The route of transmission and clinical signs of COVID-19 disease are almost similar to those of tuberculosis. In this study we investigated the Mycobacterium tuberculosis SARS-CoV-2 co-infection, an aspect not yet investigated in Burkina Faso and very little documented in the world.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, which took place from May 18 to October 18, 2021. PCR detection (GeneXpert) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) from sputum samples, anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology from blood, PCR detection (QuantStudio5) of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal samples were performed for consenting participants.

Results: At the end of the analyses, sixty-five (65) patients were positive for tuberculosis (27.54%). The frequency of Mtbresistance to rifampicin was 9.23%. The patients with suspected tuberculosis who agreed to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 were 29 (out of 236), i.e. an acceptance rate of 12.29% and a refusal rate of 87.71%. The PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 were all negative. For COVID-19 serology, the prevalence of TB/COVID-19 co-infection was 12.5%.

Conclusion: This study showed that TB/COVID-19 co-infection is a reality in Burkina Faso and that the need for a survey on hesitancy to voluntary testing should be addressed.