Abstract

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON TUBERCULOSIS (TB) DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Mr. Belkone Vishwajeet Dnyaneshwar*, Mr. Mahesh Mukta M. pharm

Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 significantly disrupted global healthcare systems and shifted public health priorities. During the pandemic, essential tuberculosis (TB) control programs were adversely affected due to lockdowns, restricted mobility, and fear of infection, leading to reduced access to healthcare services. The similarity in clinical and radiological features of COVID-19 and TB caused delays in diagnosis and under-reporting of TB cases. Several reports showed a substantial decline in TB notifications, with India experiencing nearly a 29% reduction during peak pandemic periods along with increased mortality. Diagnostic services were compromised as laboratory infrastructure and manpower were diverted toward COVID-19 testing, while contact tracing and drug supply chains were also disrupted. Socioeconomic difficulties, stigma, and psychological stress further influenced TB patient outcomes. However, increased awareness of hygiene and infection control may have contributed to reduced transmission in some settings. This review emphasizes the impact of COVID-19 on TB services and highlights the need for integrated disease surveillance, digital health strategies, and resilient TB programs to manage future public health emergencies.

Keywords: COVID-19, Tuberculosis, SARS-CoV-2, TB Diagnosis, Treatment Outcomes, Public Health Impact.