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International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS)
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Original Research Articles Volume : 15, Issue : 7, July, 2026

PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706
Issues : 12 per year
Publisher : Excellent Publishers
Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com
submit@ijcmas.com
Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash
Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39
NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci.2026.15(7) : 47-61
DOI : https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1507.005


Bacterial and Fungal Coinfections among Patients with Tuberculosis in Africa: A Systematic Review

1Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Département Biomédical et Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 2Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Unité de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Laboratoire de Biochimie Immunologie Appliquée, , Burkina Faso 3Programme National de Lutte contre la Tuberculose, Centre National de Lutte Anti-Tuberculeuse, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 4Centre Universitaire de Ziniaré, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ziniaré, Burkina Faso 5Direction de la pharmacie Sainte Rachel, Pharmacie Sainte Rachel, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 6Hôpital Paul 6, Service des laboratoires, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 7Organisation Mondiale de la Santé, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 8Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China 9Direction générale de la santé, Centre de Santé de Référence du District de Bamako, Bamako, Mali 10Agence Nationale pour la Sécurité Sanitaire de l’Environnement, de l’Alimentation, du Travail et des Produits de Santé, Burkina Faso
*Corresponding author
Abstract:

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in Africa, where HIV prevalence varies considerably across countries but remains, overall, higher than the global average. Limited diagnostic capacity and the growing emergence of antimicrobial resistance further contribute to unfavorable treatment outcomes. Bacterial and fungal coinfections may complicate TB diagnosis and treatment, yet evidence from Africa remains fragmented. This systematic review aimed to synthesize available data on the prevalence, microbiological profiles, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and clinical implications of bacterial and fungal coinfections among TB patients in Africa. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest Central, and African Journals Online were searched for studies reporting bacterial and/or fungal coinfections among TB patients in Africa. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using validated tools (NOS, AXIS, and JBI). Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. Thirteen studies from nine African countries were included. Bacterial coinfections included non-tuberculous mycobacteria (13.9% to 36.6%), Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Nocardia spp. Fungal coinfections included chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (3.5%), Candida albicans (35.0%), dimorphic fungi (9.2%), and cryptococcosis. High levels of antimicrobial resistance were reported, including extended beta-lactam resistance among K. pneumoniae isolates and fluconazole resistance in 92.5% of fungal isolates. HIV coinfection frequently exacerbated disease severity and opportunistic infections. Bacterial and fungal coinfections among TB patients in Africa appear common and likely underdiagnosed. Strengthening microbiological and mycological diagnostic capacity, integrating antimicrobial resistance surveillance into TB programs, and conducting standardized multicenter studies are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes.


Keywords: Tuberculosis; coinfection; bacteria; fungi; antimicrobial resistance; Africa


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Koidima Mamou Sophie Odette, Paré Jean Eudes Saïdou, Millogo Ouédalo Nadège, Zoungrana Arouna, Ouédraogo Oumarou, Kpoda Dissinviel Stéphane, Dabiré Sanhitouo Charlemagne, Zoromé Ali, Kabré Jeanne Françoise, Tiendrebéogo Harouna, Kaboré Boukaré, Zaongo Silvère Dieudonné, Sagna Tani, Compaoré Tegwendé Rebeca, Soubeiga Serge Théophile, Tamboura Mamadou, Ouédraogo Henri Gautier, Zongo Cheikna, Savadogo Aly, Sanou Mahamoudou, Ouédraogo/Traoré Rasmata and Kambiré Dinanibè. 2026. Bacterial and Fungal Coinfections among Patients with Tuberculosis in Africa: A Systematic Review. Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 15(7): 47-61 doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1507.005
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