Silico-tuberculosis amidst COVID-19 pandemic: global scenario and Indian perspective

Abstract

Inhalation of crystalline silica-rich dust particles can result in the deadly occupational lung disorder called silicosis. The risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB) and the potential for lung cancer increase due to silicosis. This review article aims to bring to light the state of silicosis and TB scenario in the world and India for evaluating hurdles in the present and future to achieve the elimination road map and assess these conditions in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. A patient with silicosis has a 2.8–2.9 times higher risk of developing pulmonary TB and 3.7 times that of extrapulmonary TB. Incidences of missed cases when TB was misdiagnosed with silicosis due to indifferent clinical manifestations of the two in the initial stages are not uncommon. The duration of silica exposure and silicosis severity are directly related to the propensity to develop TB. As per a study, an average gap of 7.6 years has been noticed in a South African population for silico-tuberculosis to develop post-silicosis. In a study done on mine workers at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, it was seen that there is no definitive relation between patients with silicosis and the possibility of having COVID-19. There is a significant need to integrate the Silicosis control program with the TB elimination program for the government. A few steps can include assessing the workplaces, periodic monitoring of the workers’ health, active case surveillance, identification of hotspots, and introducing reforms to curb the spread of dust and particulate matter from industrialised areas be taken in this regard.