Tuberculosis (TB) is a transmissible disease primarily affecting the lungs and is caused by a specific type of bacteria. The transmission occurs through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit.
Tuberculosis Prevention and Cure
TB is preventable and curable. Approximately a quarter of the world population is assessed to have been infected with TB bacteria, with around 5–10% of infected individuals eventually developing symptoms and progressing to TB disease.
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Those infected but not yet ill with the disease cannot transmit it. Treatment for TB disease typically involves antibiotics and is crucial, as untreated TB can be fatal.
In some countries, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is administered to infants or young children to prevent TB. However, it primarily prevents TB outside the lungs, not within them.
Symptoms
Individuals with latent TB infection usually don’t feel sick and are not contagious. Only a small ratio of those infected with TB will develop symptoms, with infants and children at higher risk.
Certain factors increase the risk of TB disease, including diabetes, weakened immune systems (such as HIV/AIDS), malnutrition, and tobacco use.
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TB symptoms include a prolonged cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Symptom severity depends on the part of the body affected by TB, which can include not only the lungs but also the kidneys, brain, spine, and skin.
Prevention
To prevent TB infection and its spread, individuals should seek medical attention promptly if they are experiencing symptoms like a prolonged cough, fever, or unexplained weight loss. Those at increased risk, such as individuals with HIV or those in communication with TB patients, should undergo testing for TB infection.
Completing the full course of prescribed treatment is crucial for preventing TB. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, including proper cough etiquette and respiratory protection, is important, especially in healthcare settings.
Diagnosis
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests rapid molecular diagnostic tests as the initial diagnostic method for individuals with signs and symptoms of TB. These tests, like the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and Truenat assays, offer high diagnostic accuracy and facilitate early detection of TB and drug-resistant strains.
Other diagnostic methods include tuberculin skin tests (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) to identify TB infection.
Treatment
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for TB disease, with isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and streptomycin being the most commonly used. Completing the full course of medication is essential to prevent drug resistance.
Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), which doesn’t respond to standard drugs, requires more extensive and often toxic treatment with second-line medications.
TB and HIV
People living with HIV are significantly more susceptible to TB, and TB is a leading cause of death among them. Proper treatment for both HIV and TB is crucial to reduce mortality rates.
Impact
TB predominantly affects adults in their productive years, but all age groups are at risk, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The burden of TB is particularly high in regions like South-East Asia and Africa.
Investments to End TB
Substantial investments are needed annually to prevent, diagnose, and treat TB effectively. International allowance, such as from the Global Fund, plays a crucial role, along with domestic resources.
WHO Response
WHO is actively involved in scaling up TB responses worldwide, focusing on leadership, research, setting standards, policy development, technical support, and monitoring progress. These efforts align with global targets and priorities for TB control and prevention.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains an effective global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite existing preventable and curable, TB continues to impact millions of individuals worldwide, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as those with HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, and compromised immune systems.
Efforts to combat TB require a multifaceted approach, including robust prevention strategies, accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing research and innovation. Investments in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are essential to achieve global targets and ultimately eliminate TB as a public health threat.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recreates a crucial role in coordinating and supporting TB control efforts, advocating for increased funding, setting standards, and monitoring progress. Collaboration among countries, partners, and civil society is vital to accelerate progress towards ending TB and achieving better health outcomes for all. Together, we can work towards a future free from the burden of tuberculosis.
