Tuberculosis (TB) B and Covid-19 can be a deadly combination in children and will require immediate intervention. TB is one of the potential risk factors for severe Covid disease. TB and COVID co-infection in children can lead to higher mortality and morbidity rates. Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital For Children successfully treated 13 children with TB requiring intensive care and close follow-up for the last 1.5 years. It is the need of the hour to take precautions against TB and Covid-19 to lead a healthy life.

According to the evidence available, In April 2020, a novel syndrome “multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children” (MIS-C) or “pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome was temporarily associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS COV-2)” (PIMS-TS) created havoc in children and adolescents. Currently, Tuberculosis (TB) has been stalled with the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a rise in TB-related morbidity and mortality across the country. The bacteria and the virus have similar routes of transmission (airborne). Tuberculosis (TB) is known to take a toll on the child’s entire well- being.

Dr Ira Shah, Head of Infectious Disease, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital For Children, said “Tuberculosis (TB) primarily impacts the lungs. Hence, it is imperative to treat the child without any delay to avoid consequences. At Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, children suffering from drug-resistant TB presented with new-onset respiratory symptoms, with a characteristic feature of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). They were diagnosed to have PIMS on the basis of a positive Covid test with elevated inflammatory markers. All of these children received either IVIG or steroids as a part of treatment. Apart from POTS being a subtle sign of Post-Covid syndrome, 2 children developed psychiatric manifestations requiring behavioral and cognitive therapy. All of them survived and are doing well on follow-up. The data from 5 children in May 2022 was presented at the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases at the 44th Annual Conference in Greece. Through the past 1.5 years, we have had a total of 13 such children requiring intensive care and close follow-up. Damage produced by TB may increase the susceptibility to Covid and a more severe form of the infection.”

“TB and COVID co-infection in children is a public health problem. TB and Covid-19 can be prevented by respiratory hygiene practices such as wearing a mask, avoiding crowded places, sanitizing hands, and maintaining a safe distance from others. Wadia Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life of the patients with its best quality care and round-the-clock medical services. We urge the parents to ensure the children adopt good hygiene practices for TB eradication,” concluded Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of Wadia Hospitals.