Interrelationships between tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Our objective was to review the current literature regarding socioeconomic, environmental, clinical, and immunologic factors common to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis (TB).

Recent studies suggest that TB patients might be at increased risk for developing COPD. Conversely, additional prospective cohort studies have determined that COPD patients are at increased risk for active TB: a risk that appears to be partially mediated through inhaled corticosteroid use. Tobacco smoking, poverty, air pollution, and malnutrition are associated with COPD and TB. Vitamin D has been shown to prevent COPD exacerbations, but its use for preventing TB infection remains unclear. Surfactant deficiency, elevated matrix metalloproteinases, and toll-like receptor 4 polymorphisms play key roles in the pathogenesis of both diseases.

Recent studies have elucidated interrelationships between COPD and TB. Future research is needed to optimize clinical and public health approaches that could mitigate risk factors contributing to both diseases.