Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, but can also impact other parts of the body. It is caused by a type of bacteria that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains a major global public health issue, with about a quarter of the world’s population estimated to be infected with TB bacteria.
In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of tuberculosis, including its causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Causes of Tuberculosis
TB is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When a person inhales air that contains TB bacteria, the bacteria can settle in the lungs and begin to multiply. In most cases, the body’s immune system is able to fight off the bacteria and prevent the development of TB disease. However, if a person’s immune system is weakened, the bacteria can overcome the body’s defenses and cause TB disease.
TB is a highly contagious disease that can spread from person to person through the air. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits, they release tiny droplets into the air that contain TB bacteria. If another person inhales these droplets, they can become infected with TB. However, it’s important to note that not everyone who is infected with TB will develop TB disease.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
The symptoms of TB vary depending on where in the body the bacteria are located. The most common form of TB is pulmonary TB, which affects the lungs. The symptoms of pulmonary TB include:
- Cough that lasts for three or more weeks
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
In addition to pulmonary TB, TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, brain, spine, and skin. The symptoms of extrapulmonary TB vary depending on which part of the body is affected.
Prevention of Tuberculosis
Preventing the spread of TB is essential to controlling the disease. There are several steps that individuals can take to help prevent TB infection and spread, including:
- Seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms like prolonged cough, fever, and unexplained weight loss, as early treatment for TB can help stop the spread of disease and improve chances of recovery
- Getting tested for TB infection if at increased risk, such as if you have HIV or are in contact with people who have TB in your household or workplace
- Completing the full course of prescribed treatment to prevent TB
- Practicing good hygiene when coughing, including avoiding contact with other people and wearing a mask, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of sputum and used tissues properly
- Using special measures like respirators and ventilation to reduce infection in healthcare and other institutions
In certain countries, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is given to babies or small children to prevent TB. The vaccine prevents TB outside of the lungs but not in the lungs.
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
The diagnosis of TB requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. WHO recommends the use of rapid molecular diagnostic tests as the initial diagnostic test in all persons with signs and symptoms of TB. Rapid tests recommended by WHO include the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and Truenat assays. These tests have high diagnostic accuracy and will lead to major improvements in the early detection of TB and drug-resistant TB.
A tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) can be used to identify people with TB who have been infected with the bacteria. A chest X-ray can then be done to see if there are any abnormalities in the lungs that suggest TB. If TB is suspected, further testing may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for TB typically involves a course of antibiotics taken over several months. The exact medications and length of treatment may vary depending on the type of TB infection, the severity of the disease, and the patient’s medical history. It is important to complete the entire course of treatment to ensure that all of the bacteria are killed and to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of TB.
Preventing the spread of TB is an important part of managing the disease. People with active TB should stay home and avoid close contact with others until they are no longer contagious. They should also cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and use a tissue to dispose of any sputum. Healthcare workers who are at risk of exposure to TB should wear personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves.
People who are at increased risk of TB infection, such as those with weakened immune systems, should be screened regularly for TB. Vaccines are also available for certain types of TB, although they are not universally effective.
In addition to medical treatment, social and economic factors can play a role in the spread and management of TB. Poverty, overcrowding, and lack of access to healthcare can all increase the risk of TB transmission and make it more difficult to diagnose and treat the disease.
TB is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, but with proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures, it can be managed effectively. Public health efforts to control TB, including widespread testing and treatment, are essential for reducing the global burden of the disease.
