In multiple studies comparing the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide, findings thus far suggest lower rates of infection and mortality in countries with universal neonatal Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) tuberculosis vaccination policies compared with countries without this practice.¹ In research published in July 2020, every 10% increase in the BCG index (which reflects the extent of a country’s BCG vaccination) was associated with a 10.4% reduction in mortality from COVID-19, and higher mortality rates were observed in countries with later vs early initiation of universal BCG vaccination.²

In patients with a history of tuberculosis (TB), the odds of residual pulmonary impairments are 2- to 3-fold higher compared with individuals with no TB history, with especially high rates in patients with multidrug-resistant TB.¹ HIV has been identified as an independent risk factor for predominantly obstructive impairment in lung function. However, there is a dearth of research regarding lung function in HIV-associated TB because patients with HIV are frequently excluded from relevant studies, despite the fact that an estimated 40% of deaths in people with HIV have been attributed to TB.^1,2 

In light of the continued battle against antibiotic resistance, Pulmonology Advisor presents a roundtable interview on the pros and cons of antibiotic therapy in patients admitted to intensive care units with severe respiratory disease.

In the United States, a patient receives a new diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) every hour, with a mortality rate of 5% to 10%, and it is estimated that 13 to 14 million people in the United States have latent TB infection (LTBI).¹ More than 80% of patients develop TB years after becoming infected, clearly underscoring the opportunity for prevention with timely testing and treatment. In addition, the treatment regimen in LTBI is shorter and more effective than it was in the past.