Understanding the Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Co-infection: A Comprehensive Review of Immunopathological Dynamics and Pandemic's Disruption in TB Services

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge worldwide and its incidence has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The interaction between TB and COVID-19 poses significant risks to patients, leading to increased morbidity and complicating treatment strategies as both diseases share similar clinical manifestations, such as respiratory symptoms and immune effects. As the global health system continues to grapple with the impact of COVID-19 on existing infectious disease frameworks, it is imperative that researchers engage in research focused on understanding TB co-infection and COVID-19. The primary aim of this literature review is to contribute to the development of knowledge about the pathogenic etiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, immunopathology of TB and COVID-19 co-infection, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in TB services.