Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB) is an infectious disease that primarily impacts the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body such as the spine, brain and kidneys. Globally, TB is a major health concern particularly in African nations are challenged by drug resistant forms of TB (1). TB is spread through airborne particles, usually during coughs, sneezes and talking. There are two main classifications of TB; Latent TB infection (where the bacteria is dormant in the body without causing symptoms). Secondly, Active TB disease (which is contagious and symptomatic).
TB Symptoms
TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. People with latent TB do not show symptoms, but those with active TB may experience a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, chills, fever, and night sweats.
TB Diagnosis
TB is diagnosed using two primary screening tests: the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) and the interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test. Further diagnostic tests may include sputum and lung fluid analysis, chest X-rays, and CT scans (3).
TB Treatment
Anyone exposed to TB or showing symptoms should consult their healthcare provider promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as untreated TB can be fatal (1). TB is treated with a combination of medications, including Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide, and Rifapentine (3). Treatment usually lasts for six to nine months, and it's crucial to complete the full course to ensure all bacteria are killed (1,3). Some TB strains have developed drug resistance, making treatment more complex. The World Health Organization estimates that only 48% of patients with multi-drug resistant TB who are diagnosed and treated in Africa are cured or successfully complete treatment (1).
TB Prevention
Preventive measures include good hand hygiene, coughing etiquette, and following treatment guidelines to avoid spreading the disease. The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is used in some countries with high TB rates (4).
References
K. Abato, T. Daniel, P. Prasad, R. Prasad, B. Fekade, Y. Tedla, H. Yusuf, M. Tadesse, D. Tefera, A. Ashenafi, G. Desta, G. Aderaye, K. Olson, S. Thim, A. E. Goldfeld, (2015) Achieving high treatment success for multidrug resistant TB in Africa: initiation and scale-up of MDR TB care in Ethiopia—an observational cohort study. Thorax, (first published online 27 Oct 2015). thoraxjnl-2015-207374.full.pdf (bmj.com)
C. Lin, C. Lin, Y. Kuo, J. Wang, C. Hsu, J. Chen, W. Cheng, L Lee (2014), Tuberculosis mortality: patient characteristics and causes, BMC Infectious Diseases, volume 14, issue 15. Tuberculosis mortality: patient characteristics and causes | BMC Infectious Diseases | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)
C. Robert Horsburgh, Jr., M.D., Clifton E. Barry III, Ph.D., and Christoph Lange, M.D., (2015), Treatment of Tuberculosis, The New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 373, Issue 22. Treatment of Tuberculosis Review 2015.pdf (jvsmedicscorner.com)
K du Preez, J A Seddon, H S Schaaf, A C Hesseling, J R Starke, M Osman, C J Lombard, R Solomons (2019), Global shortages of BCG vaccine and tuberculous meningitis in children, volume 7, Issue 1. Global shortages of BCG vaccine and tuberculous meningitis in children - The Lancet Global Health
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