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Assessing, Understanding and Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on TB Prevention, Care and Control

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A special issue of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (ISSN 2414-6366). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 16689

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Debora Pedrazzoli

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
2. Special Programme on Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, 1202 Genève, Switzerland
Interests: tuberculosis; social determinants; infectious disease epidemiology; health economics; operational research

Dr. Palwasha Khan

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Guest Editor

Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
Interests: TB-HIV; tuberculosis; HIV; infectious disease epidemiology; STD; infectious disease transmission; field epidemiology

Dr. Corinne Merle

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Guest Editor

Special Programme on Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
Interests: tuberculosis; malaria; neglected diseases; COVID-19; infectious disease surveillance; clinical research; operational research; implementation research; public health; digital health technologies

Dr. Vanessa Veronese

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Guest Editor

Special Programme on Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
Interests: epidemiology; infectious disease surveillance; digital health technologies; implementation research; low resource settings; HIV; TB; COVID-19

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many barriers to tuberculosis (TB) treatment and care, and it is threatening progress on reducing the global burden of this disease. In fact, 12 months of COVID-19 has eliminated 12 years of progress in fighting TB, according to the Stop TB Partnership.

Given the potential diversion of resources, shortages of staff, disruption of services, among other factors, new or adapted strategies are required to mitigate the potential impact of COVID on TB control efforts, ensure continuity of TB services and activities, and protect the lives of people with TB during this pandemic.

In this Special issue, we are calling for articles (perspectives, original articles and reviews) that document the impact of COVID-19 on TB patients and/or the TB continuum of care, as well as the testing, evaluation, implementation or scaling up of new interventions and approaches that will help understand and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the TB prevention, care and control cascade.

We seek submissions from around the world, but we are particularly encouraging submissions from individuals working in TB high-burden countries.

Dr. Debora Pedrazzoli
Dr. Palwasha Khan
Dr. Corinne Merle
Dr. Vanessa Veronese
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Tuberculosis
COVID-19
Impact assessment
Evaluation

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 on Tuberculosis Indicators in Brazil: A Time Series and Spatial Analysis Study

by Thaís Zamboni Berra, Antônio Carlos Vieira Ramos, Yan Mathias Alves, Reginaldo Bazon Vaz Tavares, Ariela Fehr Tartaro, Murilo César do Nascimento, Heriederson Sávio Dias Moura, Felipe Mendes Delpino, Débora de Almeida Soares, Ruan Víctor dos Santos Silva, Dulce Gomes, Aline Aparecida Monroe and Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(9), 247; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tropicalmed7090247 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2057

Abstract

Background: We aimed to visualize and classify the time series of COVID-19, tuberculosis (TB) notification, and TB outcomes (cure, treatment abandonment, and death), verify the impact of the new coronavirus pandemic on these indices in Brazil, and verify the presence of spatial autocorrelation between COVID-19 and TB. Methods: This was an ecological time series study that considered TB and COVID-19 cases. Seasonal Trend Decomposition using Loess (STL) was used to trace the temporal trend, Prais–Winsten was used to classify the temporal trend, Interrupted Time Series (ITS) was used to verify the impact of COVID-19 on TB rates, and the Bivariate Moran Index (Global and Local) was used to verify the spatial autocorrelation of events. Results: Brazil and its macro-regions showed an increasing temporal trend for the notification of TB in the pre-pandemic period. Only the Northeast Region showed a decreasing temporal trend for cured cases. For treatment abandonment, all regions except for the Northeast showed an increasing temporal trend, and regarding death, Brazil and the Northeast Region showed an increasing temporal trend. With the ITS, COVID-19 caused a decline in TB notification rates and TB outcome rates. With the global spatial analysis, it was possible to identify the existence of spatial autocorrelation between the notification rate of COVID-19 and the TB notification rate and deaths. With the local analysis, it was possible to map the Brazilian municipalities and classify them according to the relationship between the rates of both diseases and space. Conclusions: COVID-19 influenced the follow-up of and adherence to TB treatment and intensified social vulnerability and, consequently, affected the notification of TB since the relationship between the disease and social determinants of health is already known. The restoration and strengthening of essential services for the prevention and detection of cases and treatment of TB in endemic environments such as Brazil have been oriented as a priority in the global health agenda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing, Understanding and Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on TB Prevention, Care and Control)

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10 pages, 703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Delays in TB Diagnosis and Treatment Initiation in Burkina Faso during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Adama Diallo, Adjima Combary, Vanessa Veronese, Désiré Lucien Dahourou, Salifou Ouédraogo, Isidore Tiandiogo Traoré and Corinne Simone Merle

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(9), 237; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tropicalmed7090237 - 09 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1894

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted TB services, particularly in low resource settings. In Burkina Faso, a cross-sectional ‘before and after’ study was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on access to TB services. Data was collected in two phases (Phase 1: December 2017–March 2018, and 2: October–December 2020) to estimate and compare various patient and system delays among TB patients before and during COVID-19 and explore changes in treatment seeking behaviors and practices. 331 TB patients were recruited across the two phases. A significant increase in median time between first symptom and contact with TB service (45 days vs. 26 days; p < 0.01) and decrease in median time between first contact and diagnosis, and treatment initiation, respectively, during COVID-19 compared to before. Fewer patients reported using public health centers and more patients reporting using private facilities as the point of first contact following TB symptom onset during the COVID-19 period compared to before. These findings suggest that COVID-19 has created barriers to TB service access and health seeking among symptomatic individuals, yet also led to some efficiencies in TB diagnostic and treatment services. Our findings can be help target efforts along specific points of the TB patient pathway to minimize the overall disruption of COVID-19 and future public health emergencies on TB control in Burkina Faso. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing, Understanding and Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on TB Prevention, Care and Control)

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11 pages, 1148 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Novel Systematic Screening Approach for Tuberculosis among Individuals Suspected or Recovered from COVID-19: Experiences from Niger and Guinea

by Aboubacar Sidiki Magassouba, Souleymane Mahamadou Bassirou, Almamy Amara Touré, Boubacar Djelo Diallo, Soumana Alphazazi, Diao Cissé, Mohamed Sitan Keita, Elhadj Saidou Seyabatou, Adama Marie Bangoura, Hugues Asken Traoré, Tom Decroo, Jonathon R. Campbell, Vanessa Veronese and Corinne Simone Collette Merle

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(9), 228; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tropicalmed7090228 - 05 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1898

Abstract

Evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts tuberculosis (TB) activities. As TB and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, we assessed the effectiveness of integrated TB/COVID-19 screening in Guinea and Niger. From May to December 2020, TB screening was offered to symptomatic patients after a negative COVID-19 PCR test or after recovery from COVID-19 in Guinea. From December 2020 to March 2021, all presumptive COVID-19 patients with respiratory symptoms were tested simultaneously for COVID-19 and TB in Niger. We assessed the TB detection yield and used micro-costing to estimate the costs associated with both screening algorithms. A total of 863 individuals (758 in Guinea, and 105 in Niger), who were mostly male (60%) and with a median age of 34 (IQR: 26–45), were screened for TB. Reported symptoms were cough ≥2 weeks (49%), fever (45%), and weight loss (30%). Overall, 61 patients (7%) tested positive for COVID-19 (13 in Guinea, 48 in Niger) and 43 (4.9%) were diagnosed with TB disease (35 or 4.6% in Guinea, and 8 or 7.6% in Niger). The cost per person initiating TB treatment was USD $367 in Guinea and $566 in Niger. Overall, the yield of both approaches was high, and the cost was modest. Optimizing integrated COVID-19/TB screening may support maintaining TB detection during the ongoing pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing, Understanding and Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on TB Prevention, Care and Control)

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14 pages, 693 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

by Almamy Amara Touré, Aboubacar Sidiki Magassouba, Gnoume Camara, Abdoulaye Doumbouya, Diao Cissé, Ibrahima Barry, Lansana Mady Camara, Abdoul Habib Béavogui, Alexandre Delamou, Vanessa Veronese, Corinne Simone Merle, Hugues Asken Traoré and Adama Marie Bangoura

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(9), 224; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tropicalmed7090224 - 02 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2889

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on all facets of life and has exacerbated many challenges faced by people living with tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of TB patients in Guinea during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed methods study was conducted using two validated tools to assess HRQoL and qualitative interviews among TB patients enrolled in treatment at 11 health centers in Conakry, Guinea. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the deterioration of HRQoL. We included 439 participants in the study, among whom 44% and 31% experienced pain and anxiety, respectively. We found that an increase in the number of household size and the distance from participants’ residence to the health centers were significantly associated with lower HRQoL. Qualitative interviews highlighted nutritional and financial issues, which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and beliefs that the Guinean Government’s assistance plan was insufficient. This study supports the implementation of specific relief plans for TB patients, which includes nutritional and psychological support, especially those whose movements are limited by travel restrictions, preventing access to TB care, reducing work opportunities and exacerbating financial needs and stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing, Understanding and Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on TB Prevention, Care and Control)

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12 pages, 711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 on Tuberculosis Case Detection and Treatment Outcomes in Sierra Leone

by Sulaiman Lakoh, Darlinda F. Jiba, Mamadu Baldeh, Olukemi Adekanmbi, Umu Barrie, Alhassan L. Seisay, Gibrilla F. Deen, Robert A. Salata and George A. Yendewa

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2021, 6(3), 154; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tropicalmed6030154 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5236

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected tuberculosis (TB) care delivery in high burden countries. We therefore conducted a retrospective study to assess the impact of COVID-19 on TB case detection and treatment outcomes at the Chest Clinic at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Overall, 2300 presumptive cases were tested during the first three quarters of 2020 (intra-COVID-19) versus 2636 in 2019 (baseline), representing a 12.7% decline. Testing declined by 25% in women, 20% in children and 81% in community-initiated referrals. Notwithstanding, laboratory-confirmed TB cases increased by 37.0% and treatment success rate was higher in 2020 (55.6% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that age < 55 years (aOR 1.74, 95% CI (1.80, 2.56); p = 0.005), new diagnosis (aOR 1.69, 95% CI (1.16, 2.47); p = 0.007), pulmonary TB (aOR 3.17, 95% CI (1.67, 6.04); p < 0.001), HIV negative status (aOR 1.60, 95%CI (1.24, 2.06); p < 0.001) and self-administration of anti-TB drugs through monthly dispensing versus directly observed therapy (DOT) (aOR 1.56, 95% CI (1.21, 2.03); p = 0.001) independently predicted treatment success. These findings may have policy implications for DOTS in this setting and suggest that more resources are needed to reverse the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB program activities in Sierra Leone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing, Understanding and Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on TB Prevention, Care and Control)

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Other

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9 pages, 864 KiB

Open AccessHypothesis

Proposed Algorithm for Integrated Management of TB-SARS-CoV-2 Co-Infection in a TB-Endemic Country

by Ni Made Mertaniasih, Soedarsono Soedarsono, Tiffany Tiara Pakasi, Zakiyathun Nuha and Manabu Ato

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(11), 367; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/tropicalmed7110367 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1456

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 have become significant health problems globally, especially in countries with high prevalence. Therefore, this research aims to examine all possibilities and predict the impact of TB-SARS-CoV-2 co-infection to anticipate the cascade effect of both diseases in all sectors. The conceptual strategy of the algorithm in TB-COVID-19 is needed to create an integrated management system. It includes the stages of early detection with accurate and effective methods, as well as the synchronization of TB-COVID-19 health services, starting from primary health facilities to secondary and tertiary referral centers. The algorithm in TB-COVID-19 is crucial to prepare future strategies for PTB co-infection viral respiratory infections other than SARS-CoV-2, ILI, ARI, and SARI. Since the implementation involves all health services, there is a need to integrate the governance of TB-COVID-19 and other comorbidities in good health services based on research and multicentre design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing, Understanding and Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on TB Prevention, Care and Control)

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