High Mortality and Clinical Challenges in Tuberculosis-COVID-19 Co-infection: A Multicenter Study from Senegal
Alassane Sarr *
Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, FANN Hospital, Senegal and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, DALAL JAMM Hospital, Senegal.
Viviane Marie Pierre Cissé-Diallo
Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, FANN Hospital, Senegal.
Papa Latyr Junior Diouf
Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, FANN Hospital, Senegal.
Daouda Thioub
Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, FANN Hospital, Senegal.
Khardiata Diallo-Mbaye
Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, FANN Hospital, Senegal.
Louise Fortes
Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, DALAL JAMM Hospital, Senegal.
Moussa Seydi
Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, FANN Hospital, Senegal.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The syndemic interaction between tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 remains poorly characterized in high TB-burden African settings. This study investigates the clinical and epidemiological features of TB–COVID-19 co-infection in Senegal.
Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective observational study from March 2020 to March 2022, enrolling hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 (RT-PCR) and active TB (positive smear microscopy or GeneXpert). Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were systematically collected and analyzed.
Results: Among 19 co-infected patients (mean age 48±20 years, 63.2% male), TB preceded COVID-19 diagnosis in 78.9% of cases. Common presentations included chronic cough (84.2%), fever (84.2%), and radiological findings of ground-glass opacities (52.6%). Notable laboratory abnormalities included lymphopenia (84.2%) and elevated inflammatory markers (CRP >12 mg/L in 100%). The case fatality rate reached 26.3%, with severe COVID-19 present in 36.8% of cases.
Conclusion: Our findings show that active TB was associated with severe COVID-19 presentations and a high observed in-hospital mortality in this Senegalese cohort. These results underscore the need for integrated screening and management strategies in TB-endemic regions.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, co-morbidity, Sub-Saharan Africa, outcomes