Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, affecting millions of people each year. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB continues to spread, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources. Understanding how tuberculosis is transmitted, prevented, and treated is essential in the global fight against this disease.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of infection, making overcrowded environments and poor ventilation major contributing factors.
Common Symptoms of Active TB:
- Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
- Chest pain and difficulty breathing
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Fever and night sweats
- Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
It’s important to note that not everyone infected develops active TB. Some people may have latent TB, where the bacteria remain dormant without symptoms, but they can progress to active TB if their immune system weakens.
Prevention of Tuberculosis
Preventing TB requires a combination of medical, social, and public health strategies. Key measures include:
1. Vaccination (BCG Vaccine)
- The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine is given to infants in countries where TB is common.
- While not 100% effective, it provides protection against severe forms of TB in children.
2. Early Detection and Screening
- Regular screening of high-risk populations (healthcare workers, people living with HIV, or those in close contact with TB patients) helps identify cases early.
- Latent TB can be detected through skin or blood tests and treated before it becomes active.
3. Infection Control Measures
- Improving ventilation in public spaces and healthcare facilities reduces airborne transmission.
- Wearing masks and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing limits spread.
- Isolating active TB patients during the contagious phase prevents further infections.
4. Healthy Lifestyle and Immunity
- Proper nutrition, avoiding smoking, and managing conditions like HIV or diabetes help reduce susceptibility to TB.
Treatment of Tuberculosis
TB is treatable, but treatment requires strict adherence to medication regimens to prevent resistance.
1. First-Line Treatment (Drug-Sensitive TB)
- A 6-month antibiotic regimen is the standard treatment.
- The most common drugs include isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.
- Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure patients complete therapy.
2. Drug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB and XDR-TB)
- Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) occurs when the bacteria resist at least isoniazid and rifampicin.
- Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) is resistant to multiple antibiotics, making treatment more complex and prolonged.
- Newer medications like bedaquiline and delamanid are now used to treat resistant TB.
3. Latent TB Treatment
- People with latent TB infection may take preventive therapy such as isoniazid for 6–9 months or a combination of drugs for shorter periods to prevent active disease.
Global Efforts in TB Control
The WHO End TB Strategy aims to reduce TB deaths by 90% and new cases by 80% by 2030. Strategies include:
- Expanding access to diagnostic tools like GeneXpert.
- Strengthening healthcare systems in high-burden countries.
- Investing in vaccine and drug research.
- Addressing social determinants such as poverty, malnutrition, and crowded living conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Tuberculosis is a preventable and treatable disease, but it requires early detection and proper medical care.
- Prevention through vaccination, screening, and infection control is crucial in reducing transmission.
- Treatment must be completed fully to avoid drug resistance, which poses a growing global threat.
- Continued research, public awareness, and international cooperation are essential to achieve a TB-free world.
Final Note: If you or someone you know experiences persistent cough, fever, or weight loss, seek medical advice immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives and prevent the spread of tuberculosis.