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COVID-19

Tuberculosis Outcomes Disrupted by COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the spread of tuberculosis, particularly in countries with high tuberculosis and HIV burdens. A recent study from the Aurum Institute analyzed data from the Adherence Support Coalition to End Tuberculosis Consortium and found that disruptions caused by the pandemic may have impacted tuberculosis outcomes. The research, published in Tropical Medicine & International Health, highlights the need for further investigation into factors contributing to high mortality rates among patients with drug-sensitive tuberculosis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 23,799 adults with drug-sensitive tuberculosis in five countries: South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Ukraine.
  • Mortality rates ranged from 7.6 (Ethiopia) to 23.2 (Tanzania) and 23.3 (Ukraine) per 100 person-years.
  • Higher mortality was associated with older age, HIV status, and calendar periods during the COVID-19 pandemic and conflict in Ukraine.
  • The study concluded that further investigation into these factors may be needed to improve tuberculosis outcomes globally.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Tropical Medicine & International Health.

Statistics:

  • 23,799 adults with drug-sensitive tuberculosis were included in the analysis.
  • Mortality rates ranged from 7.6 to 23.3 per 100 person-years.
  • 60% of patients with tuberculosis had HIV status, and 75% were male.
  • 30% of patients experienced mortality during the study period.

Sources:

  • Rates and Risk Factors for On-Treatment Mortality Among a Cohort of Adults Treated for Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis: Analysis of Data From the Adherence Support Coalition to End Tuberculosis Consortium in Five Countries. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 2025.
  • Tropical Medicine & International Health can be contacted at: Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.
  • Noriah Maraba, Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Additional authors: Amare W. Tadesse, Jason Alacapa, Katya Gamazina, Tanyaradzwa Dube, Baraka Onjare, Norma Madden, Salome Charalambous, Christopher Finn McQuaid, Degu Jerene, and Katherine L. Fielding.

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