World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated annually on 24th March as a tribute to the contribution of tuberculosis (TB) and its complete eradication. TB is an infectious disease that affects the lungs mostly but tends to attack the kidneys, brain, spinal cord, and skin. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that are transmitted in airborne droplets when an individual with the condition coughs or sneezes. The closer one is to the infected person, the greater the risk of getting the infection.
TB is still a challenge to the health of the world because it is infectious and hard to control. TB mostly attacks the lungs, although at times it infects other body tissues. TB is either latent or active. Latent TB patients have bacteria infecting their bodies but are not symptomatic, whereas active TB patients have open health issues and can infect other individuals with the disease.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
The pulmonary TB patients can present with a cough lasting over three weeks, chest pain, and hemoptysis. In addition to this, symptoms of fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, chills, and anorexia are found. In other locations, TB is found depending on the location involved. Extrapulmonary TB is observed when TB occurs outside the lung and can occur in the lymph nodes, bones, joints, and even in the brain, resulting in further neurological damage.
Factors That Increase Vulnerability
There are some individuals who are more vulnerable to getting TB. People with compromised immune systems, for example, HIV/AIDS patients, are more at risk. Persons who are exposed to poor hygiene and over-crowding are at increased risk. Health workers working with TB patients daily are at increased risk. A history of past exposure in TB-endemic nations or residence in these nations is also a risk factor for infection. Vulnerability may be enhanced by smoking, diabetes, and malnutrition. Means of Transmission
TB is transmitted mainly by air droplets that are emitted when an individual with TB coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings. These small droplets will remain suspended in the air, and it is extremely easy for other individuals to inhale them. TB, unlike contact or contact with infested surfaces and objects, takes longer exposure within a group setting to enhance the chances of transmission. Ventilation and cleanliness decrease the chances of transmission.
Diagnosis and Screening
Culture diagnosis in early stages prevents transmission and effective treatment. Physicians and hospitals use a panel of tests to identify TB:
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): The sample of tuberculin is applied on the skin to test for reaction, showing past exposure to TB.
- Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): Blood test that measures responses of the immune system to TB Mycobacterium.
- Chest X-rays: To identify lung abnormalities related to TB infection.
- Sputum Tests: Lab testing of the samples to check for TB bacteria presence and if the bacteria are drug-resistant or not.
Treatment and Management
TB can be cured using a well-timed regimen of antibiotics. Six months of daily treatment and completing the entire course of treatment are vital in recovery. Partial courses increase the risk of drug-resistant TB bacteria, which are harder to cure. Regular screening of high-risk populations by medical health care workers is advised in order to detect the disease early and treat it on time. The most commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of TB are:
- Isoniazid
- Rifampin
- Ethambutol
- Pyrazinamide
Drug-resistant TB patients need an extended course of therapy with second-line drugs. Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) is typically advised so that the patient completes the complete course of antibiotics.
Preventive Measures
Prevention of TB requires a combined effort of public health programs and individual interventions. Some of the effective methods of preventing TB are described below:
- Vaccination: BCG vaccine is most widely utilized by the majority of countries for avoiding severe TB in children.
- Early Detection: Early treatment is facilitated through regular screening of susceptible individuals.
- Improved Living Conditions: Ventilation instead of crowding prevents the transmission of air.
- Personal Sanitation and Mask Use: Being exemplary in personal sanitation, such as covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, ensures the prevention of spreading bacteria.
Global Efforts Impact
Different health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), are continuously striving for TB eradication through awareness generation, research, and health programs. Timely diagnosis and increased treatment options arrive through tripartite coordination of the government, healthcare professionals, and researchers. World Tuberculosis Day public health campaigns lead to ground-level mobilization in disease prevention and control measures.
Conclusion,
TB control measures include sensitization, early diagnosis, and accessibility of medical care. The patients receive treatment while the transmission of the disease is minimized. World Tuberculosis Day celebration remains a reminder of the continued effort towards TB eradication and attainment of better world health outcomes. Through sustained application of prevention intervention and adherence to correct treatment procedures, individuals and agencies can help to restrict the incidence of TB in the world.