Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs, such as the brain, spine, and kidneys. TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
There are two types of TB: latent TB and active TB. In latent TB, the bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state without causing symptoms, but they can become active later. Active TB, on the other hand, causes symptoms like persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. If left untreated, TB can be fatal.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that TB remains one of the top infectious disease killers globally. Although it is curable, challenges like drug resistance, delayed diagnosis, and social stigma hinder control efforts. The emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) makes treatment more complex, requiring stronger medications for longer durations.
Diagnosis of TB includes tests such as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST), interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), chest X-rays, and sputum smear microscopy. The standard treatment involves a six-month course of antibiotics, including isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Adherence to the full treatment regimen is crucial to prevent resistance.
The BCG vaccine provides partial protection, mainly for children, but is not fully effective against pulmonary TB in adults. Researchers are working on developing better vaccines and shorter treatment regimens.
Efforts to eliminate TB require early diagnosis, proper treatment, improved public awareness, and strengthened healthcare systems. With global initiatives like WHO’s End TB Strategy, there is hope for reducing TB incidence and deaths in the coming decades.