BY CHIDOROM IHECHI GOODNESS
INTRODUCTION
When we hear tuberculosis (TB), many of us struggle to understand what it truly means. Myths and misconceptions have made it seem like an untouchable, deadly disease. But is it really that deadly?
Despite global efforts to eliminate it, tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 1.25 million TB-related deaths and 8.2 million new cases in 2023 alone.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about tuberculosis in the simplest way possible—because Yes! We Can End TB! Let’s Commit, Invest, and Deliver.
https://www.who.int/health-topics/tuberculosis
UNDERSTANDING TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis, or TB, is an illness that primarily affects a person’s lungs. The disease is triggered by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The worst part is that a large majority of people are not aware of this ailment until the symptoms begin to escalate.
Tuberculosis becomes noticeable with a persistent cough, sneezing blood, breath issues, and fatigue, along with notable weight loss.
People suffering from Tuberculosis can transfer this infection effortlessly through coughing, sneezing, and even laughing. People living in crowded places and people with HIV/AIDS with weakened immune systems have higher risks.
Medical professionals recommend antibiotics to treat tuberculosis, but in certain conditions, the bacteria might be drug-resistant, and being unable to complete the dosage also increases the risk.
To inhibit the spread of TB, one should refrain from making close contact with infected individuals while practicing good ventilation in open spaces. Use proper hygiene and more importantly, if you are on Tuberculosis medication, you shouldn’t stop taking it to properly fight off this disease.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351250
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11301-tuberculosis – spread
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tuberculosis-tb/ – complete dosage
TYPES OF TUBERCULOSIS
We have 2 major types of tuberculosis:-
- Latent Tuberculosis (Latent TB): The bacteria are present but inactive. There are no symptoms, and it is not contagious but can become contagious if immunity weakens and the germs become active, further leading to Active Tuberculosis.
- Active Tuberculosis (TB Disease): The bacteria multiply, causing visible symptoms like cough, weight loss, and fatigue and it is highly contagious and requires immediate treatment.
https://medlineplus.gov/tuberculosis.html
TUBERCULOSIS MYTHS AND FACTS
We cannot celebrate World Tuberculosis Day without correcting some misconceptions related to tuberculosis.
Some include:
1: Tuberculosis only affects the lungs.
Fact: While TB affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), it can also affect other parts of the body known as extrapulmonary TB, such as the brain, bones, kidneys, and lymph nodes.
2: TB only spreads through physical touch, like handshakes or sharing utensils.
Fact: TB only spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, laughs, or speaks. It does not spread through touch, food, or drinks.
3: If you feel better, you can stop taking TB medication.
Fact: This is why some people’s bodies become resistant to antibiotics, while in some cases the latent TB develops into active TB, making it harder to treat. Completing the full course of antibiotics is important to prevent relapse and resistance.
4. TB is hereditary.
Fact: TB is not inherited; it is an infectious disease spread through bacteria. However, a family history of TB may indicate exposure to an infected person.
5. TB occurs only among poor individuals.
Fact: TB can happen to anyone, no matter what their economic status. Poor living conditions and malnutrition, though, can raise the risk.
6. TB is a disease of the past.
Fact: TB remains a significant global health problem. Millions of individuals develop TB annually, and drug-resistant TB is on the rise.
DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOSIS
TB is diagnosed using several tests to confirm infection:
- Skin Test (Mantoux Test): In a skin test, a small amount of TB protein is injected under the skin and left for 48-72 hours; the patient returns to know the outcome; if the skin is elevated, it is positive, and if not, the patient is free.
- A blood test is done to check immune reactions to a Tuberculosis infection.
- A chest X-ray helps to assess whether the lungs have been infected and damaged by tuberculosis.
- A sputum test is done to find Tuberculosis bacilli in the sputum.
TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS
- Antibiotics – Treatment consists of a combination of antitubercular drugs (antibiotics), and the person is put on them for about 6 months to ensure that the bacteria do not remain in a hibernation state.
- DOTS Strategy – Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) is a medication-controlled strategy where healthcare personnel can observe the patient after taking the prescribed medication.
DRUG-RESISTANT TB AND ITS CHALLENGES
Some TB bacteria are resistant to standard antibiotics, making treatment more difficult. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) require longer treatment with stronger medications, most times causing more side effects, but early detection, strict medication adherence, and improved healthcare access are important to prevent drug-resistant TB. However, early diagnosis and proper treatment can cure TB and stop its spread.
https://www.cdc.gov/tb/hcp/clinical-guidance/index.html
https://www.who.int/activities/tackling-the-drug-resistant-tb-crisis
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/13/1/27
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis (TB) can be controlled based on the steps taken. Its prevention requires a correct mix of vaccination, early diagnosis, and personal health as well as public health activities.
1. Tuberculosis Vaccination (BCG Vaccine)
The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the only vaccine available for tuberculosis. It is mainly administered to babies in countries with high incidences of TB to prevent more serious forms like TB meningitis and miliary TB.
2. Early Detection and complete Treatment
This step ensures that further cases of the disease develop and can assist with managing problems. Once diagnosed with TB, the treatment consists of a combination antibiotic therapy for a period of not less than 6 months. Failure to complete the treatment increases the chance of multi-drug resistance tuberculosis which is difficult to treat. To prevent the reoccurrence of antibiotic resistance, completing the entire treatment is necessary to ensure that the full course of TB treatment is done.
3. Personal and Public Health Measures to Reduce TB Spread
PERSONAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS TUBERCULOSIS
- Steer clear from people who have an active case of tuberculosis.
- If you have been diagnosed with TB, wearing a face mask minimizes the risk of the spread.
https://www.who.int/health-topics/tuberculosis – vaccine
https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm – control,vaccine
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis – prevention, completing treatment
THE GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
Tuberculosis is still a pressing health issue around the world. Nevertheless, actions are being taken on various fronts to eliminate this disease and its consequences. This fight would not be successful without the collaboration of governments, institutions, and citizens.
WHO’S END TB STRATEGY
The WHO has launched the End TB Strategy with goals to reduce TB deaths by 90%, and it’s new cases by 80% before the year 2030.
The strategy includes:
- Stopping the transmission by keeping up with the treatment and early diagnosis.
- Providing appropriate services to all TB patients through outreach health care systems.
- Providing accurate diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines for TB through innovation and better research.
- Educating the public and fighting TB stigma.
GOVERNMENT AND NGO EFFORTS IN TB CONTROL
Governments and NGOs contribute to the global reduction of TB by:
- Making TB diagnosis and treatment accessible for everyone free of charge or at a low cost.
- Running campaigns that teach people how to prevent TB.
- Conducting drug and vaccine resistance research, as well as anti-TB drug research.
- Conducting active TB case finding in highly prevalent areas.
The Global Fund, the Stop TB Partnership, and the USAID TB Program are only a few of the organizations that cooperate with the state to fund TB programs, deliver medicines, and improve the health system.
ROLE OF INDIVIDUALS IN RAISING AWARENESS
The battle against TB does not depend only on the organizations – it is a collective effort. People can participate by:
- Spreading accurate information about TB and educating themselves on it.
- Motivating patients with symptoms to access medical care early.
- Elevating the quality of life for TB patients by reducing stigma.
- Seeking improved TB healthcare policies in their local communities.
Altering the perception of this disease will help us re-envision the world with pods of people who understand, treasure, and pay attention to TB eradication.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuberculosis – 80% and 90%
https://www.stoptb.org/usaid-global-accelerator-end-tb
CONCLUSION
Although tuberculosis continues to be a threat to global health, it is achievable as long as we work together. The importance of addressing it cannot be over-emphasized – millions are affected every year, and Tuberculosis is treatable.
There is a need for a cooperative effort from all sectors of society, which includes community members, health workers, and policymakers, to focus on removing stigma, increasing early screening, and improving compliance with treatment.
Through education, vaccination, or support for TB programs, everyone has a role to play. In unity, we can eradicate TB.
We invite you to help spread the word, participate, and support the cause at every level.
Because Yes! We Can End TB!
