Active Tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries

Abstract

The new infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has remarkably modified the current regulatory frameworks in different areas of the public health system. Among them, historical diseases that had previously been controlled were once again unleashed, especially in developing countries where regulation policies are still controversial. For instance, the management of tuberculosis infection has been widely affected by the SARS-CoV-2 infection in terms of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and proper follow-up. The SARS-CoV-2 infection has negatively altered local epidemiological surveillance; therefore, a new management and regulatory framework regarding the current circumstances must be developed to improve the control of local diseases. The present article offers an overview of the regional guidelines regarding tuberculosis management and the impact of the novel SARS-CoV-2 infection on their implementation.