Every year on March 24, World Tuberculosis Day is observed to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a global health threat affecting millions. The day marks the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882, a breakthrough that paved the way for diagnosing and treating the disease. Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Here’s a closer look at its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
TB is an infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, primarily affecting the lungs. The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. While TB is curable, it continues to pose a significant public health challenge.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about a quarter of the global population is infected with TB bacteria. However, only 5–10% of those infected develop active TB disease. The remaining individuals carry the bacteria without symptoms and are not contagious.
Tuberculosis (TB) causes and risk factors
Certain conditions can increase a person’s risk of developing active TB disease. As per WHO, these include:
Weakened immune system: Conditions like HIV/AIDS can make individuals more susceptible to TB.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can increase TB risk.
Malnutrition: Poor nutrition weakens the immune response.
Tobacco and alcohol use: Harmful habits like smoking and consuming alcohol can elevate the risk of TB infection.
Close contact with an infected person: Exposure to an active TB patient, especially in confined spaces, raises the likelihood of infection.
Tuberculosis (TB) symptoms
While many people infected with TB bacteria do not show symptoms, active TB disease occurs when the bacteria multiply and spread to different organs. TB symptoms vary depending on the affected area, but common signs include:
Persistent cough (sometimes with blood)
Chest pain
Unexplained weight loss
Fever and night sweats
Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
TB primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to the kidneys, brain, spine, and skin, leading to more severe complications.
How is Tuberculosis diagnosed?
The WHO recommends rapid molecular diagnostic tests as the preferred method for TB detection. These include Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and Truenat assays, which provide fast and accurate results. Other diagnostic tools include:
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): Determines if a person has been exposed to TB bacteria.
Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA): Identifies TB infection using a blood test.
Chest X-ray and Sputum Test: Used to confirm active TB in the lungs.
Tuberculosis treatment
TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics, taken over several months. The most common medications include: Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol.
A standard TB treatment course lasts 4 to 6 months, and it is crucial to complete the full regimen to prevent drug resistance. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), which does not respond to standard medications, requires alternative treatments that can be more complex and prolonged.
Tuberculosis (TB) prevention measures
Preventing TB involves a combination of medical intervention and personal hygiene practices.
Early diagnosis and treatment: Seeking medical attention at the early stage of symptoms can prevent transmission and complications.
BCG vaccine: In some countries, newborns receive the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which helps protect children from severe TB forms.
TB preventive therapy (TPT): Those at high risk can undergo preventive treatment to stop the infection from developing into an active disease.
Good hygiene practices: Wearing masks, covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing, and proper disposal of sputum can help curb TB spread.
Improved ventilation: Ensuring fresh airflow in crowded spaces minimises airborne transmission.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any concerns or questions regarding your health or medical condition.
