COVID-19 AND TUBERCULOSIS PNEUMONIA COINFECTION: CASE REPORT

Rym Fakhfakh*, Imen Ben Hassine, Jihed Anoun, Monia Karmani, Fatma Ben Fredj, Anis Mzabi, Chadia Laouani

ABSTRACT

The coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (BK) has been reported in various parts of the world but it remains limited and the number of reported cases is minimal. This is the first report in the literature of COVID-19 infection superimposed on active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), in a North African country (Tunisia). A 40-year-old man presented 1 month with fever, night sweats, productive cough and hemoptysis. The nasopharyngeal swabs confirmed COVID-19. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans revealed on the left lung micronodules, multiple cavitations and lingular bronchiectasis. Sputum smear microscopy identified acid-fast bacilli. A standard antituberculosis regimen and symptomatic treatment were started. Only Oxygen therapy (2-4 l/min) was needed. The course was marked by clinical improvement. He continued taking antituberculosis treatment for 6 months at least. This reported case highlights the diagnostic challenges of coinfection with COVID-19, in regions endemic for TB and the approach to managing a patient with both diseases.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, pulmonary, COVID-19, coinfection.