Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Coronavirus Disease-19 Patients: A Report of Two Cases from Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Despite the concern on the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 on tuberculosis (TB), there is a paucity of information from the developing countries inclusive of Nigeria. CASE REPORT: Hence, we report two cases of Nigerian’ adults with coinfections of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). The two cases were males and aged 30 and 33 years, respectively. They presented with cough, fever, and weight loss with features of acute respiratory symptoms and a history of contact with a confirmed COVID-19. The GeneXpert for MTB detected was high, and chest radiographs showed both features suggestive of TB, and COVID-19. They both received quadruple anti-TB regimen, along with lopinavir/ritonavir. The first case was discharged after 15 days, while the second patient died 6 days into the admission. CONCLUSION: This case reports showed that COVID-19 superimposed on TB may not be uncommon in our environment and may have a poorer outcome. Hence, there is a need for a high index of suspicion for TB infection in endemic area during the COVID-19 pandemic.