Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Tuberculosis Testing and Reporting

Background: COVID-19, a recent global threat, contrasts with tuberculosis (TB), an age-old disease.While prompting a significant global response, COVID-19 has disrupted programs for major diseases like TB and HIV.Approximately one-fourth of the world's population is estimated to have latent TB.The pandemic strained healthcare systems and exacerbated social issues, contributing to the TB epidemic.In 2020, COVID-19 pushed 100 million people into poverty, with developing economies facing an estimated $12 trillion in pandemic-related losses by 2025.Nearly 20% of global TB cases are linked to undernutrition.Methods: In this retrospective analytical study, we aimed to gauge the potential repercussions of lockdowns implemented during and after the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis (TB) in a high-burden country like India. Results:The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in annual TB cases, with a significant drop in reporting in 2020.Screening of SARI/ILI patients for TB was minimal that year, gradually increasing in subsequent years.The surge in TB screening may be linked to lockdown effects and COVID-related fears.Government directives on bi-directional screening played a role.Microbiologically/clinically confirmed TB cases peaked in 2020 and gradually decreased.Bi-directional TB-COVID screening revealed a low incidence of coinfections throughout the years. Conclusion:Our study revealed a declining trend in TB diagnoses in our region during the COVID-19 pandemic.This decline is attributed to limited access to diagnostic, treatment, and preventative services, pandemic-induced misdiagnoses, and the global adoption of mask-wearing and social distancing measures.