What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious and potentially severe infectious disease primarily caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB primarily affects the
lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, spine, and kidneys. It is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide and is a significant public health challenge.
How is TB Transmitted?
TB is an
airborne disease, meaning it spreads from person to person through the air. When a person with active TB in their lungs coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air. People nearby can inhale these droplets and become infected. However, not everyone infected with the TB bacteria becomes sick.
What is the Difference Between Latent and Active TB?
TB can exist in one of two states:
latent TB infection or active TB disease. In latent TB, the bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state and cause no symptoms. People with latent TB do not spread the disease. However, the bacteria can become active later, especially if the immune system becomes weakened. Active TB is when the bacteria multiply and the person becomes symptomatic and contagious.
What are the Symptoms of TB?
Symptoms of active TB include a persistent
cough that lasts three weeks or longer, chest pain, and coughing up blood or sputum. Other symptoms can include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, no appetite, chills, fever, and night sweats. These symptoms often vary depending on the part of the body that is affected.
How is TB Diagnosed?
TB diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and
diagnostic tests. The most common tests include the Mantoux tuberculin skin test and blood tests such as the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). For suspected pulmonary TB, a chest X-ray and sputum test can help confirm the diagnosis.
How is TB Treated?
TB is treatable and curable with a course of antibiotics. The standard treatment for active TB is a 6-month regimen of four
antibiotic drugs: isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Completing the full course of treatment is crucial to eliminate the bacteria and prevent the development of
drug-resistant TB.
What is Multidrug-Resistant TB?
Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) occurs when the TB bacteria become resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, the two most powerful TB drugs. MDR-TB requires longer and more complex treatment with second-line drugs, which are usually less effective, more toxic, and more expensive. This highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment adherence.What are the Global Challenges in TB Control?
The global fight against TB faces several challenges, including the
HIV epidemic, which increases susceptibility to TB, the emergence of drug-resistant strains, and the need for better diagnostic tools and vaccines. Socioeconomic factors like poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowding also contribute to the spread of TB.
How Can TB be Prevented?
Preventive measures include early detection and treatment of active cases, vaccination with the
BCG vaccine (especially in countries with high TB prevalence), and ensuring good infection control practices in healthcare settings. People with latent TB may also be treated to prevent the development of active TB.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis remains a significant public health issue despite being preventable and curable. Continued efforts in early detection, effective treatment, and addressing social determinants of health are crucial to reducing the TB burden globally.
