The COVID-19, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS: Ménage à Trois
Aniefiok John Udoakang1,2, Alexandra Lindsey Djomkam Zune1,3, Kesego Tapela1,3
1West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Insights
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can worsen outcomes for patients with Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Understanding these co-infections is crucial for managing severe respiratory illness and improving patient care.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents severe risks for individuals with pre-existing conditions like Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
- These three globally significant diseases impact the lungs, potentially leading to cytokine storm, immunosuppression, and respiratory failure.
- Reported co-infections of SARS-CoV-2 with HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) raise concerns about altered pathogenesis and disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To holistically understand the biological and epidemiological interactions between COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and TB.
- To review the implications of COVID-19 management on HIV/AIDS and TB control efforts, including therapy and funding.
- To explore the impact of long COVID on patients with these co-infections.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on the interactions between COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and TB.
- It compares the disease mechanisms of these co-infections.
- It addresses growing concerns and suggests directions for improved diagnosis and management.
Main Results:
- Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and Mtb can lead to lethal synergy and increased disease severity.
- The COVID-19 pandemic may significantly impact existing TB and HIV/AIDS control programs.
- Long COVID presents an additional challenge for patients with these co-infections.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and TB co-infections is essential.
- Effective management strategies must consider the complex interplay between these diseases.
- Further research is needed to guide improved diagnosis, treatment, and public health interventions for co-infected individuals.
Abstract:
In December 2019, a novel pneumonic condition, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), broke out in China and spread globally. The presentation of COVID-19 is more severe in persons with underlying medical conditions such as Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and other pneumonic conditions. All three diseases are of global concern and can significantly affect the lungs with characteristic cytokine storm, immunosuppression, and respiratory failure. Co-infections of SARS-CoV-2 with HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) have been reported, which may influence their pathogenesis and disease progression. Pulmonary TB and HIV/AIDS patients could be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to lethal synergy and disease severity. Therefore, the biological and epidemiological interactions of COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and TB need to be understood holistically. While data is needed to predict the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these existing diseases, it is necessary to review the implications of the evolving COVID-19 management on HIV/AIDS and TB control, including therapy and funding. Also, the impact of long COVID on patients, who may have this co-infection. Thus, this review highlights the implications of COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and TB co-infection compares disease mechanisms, addresses growing concerns, and suggests a direction for improved diagnosis and general management.
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