Yes! We can end TB with commitment, investment and action

March 24 is World Tuberculosis Day

By Dr Srikant Agarwal

Every year, 24 March is observed as World TB Day to amplify the urgency of ending tuberculosis (TB), the world’s deadliest infectious disease. TB continues to devastate millions globally, inflicting severe health, social and economic consequences.

This year’s theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”. It offers an opportunity to reflect on ongoing efforts and encourage stronger commitment at local, national and international levels to end TB, including by combatting the growing threat of drug-resistant TB.

TB is a contagious airborne disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis which most often affects the lungs. TB is spread through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit. A person needs to inhale only a few germs to become infected.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of TB can help individuals and communities take steps to prevent the spread of the disease. If left untreated, TB can be fatal, but with proper treatment, it is curable.

The risk of contracting TB is higher for people who: Have a weakened immune system: Due to HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, Chronic Kidney disease, on chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressive drugs. Have close contact with someone with active TB, Live in crowded or unsanitary conditions: Overcrowding, poor ventilation

Tuberculosis can affect Lungs (Pulmonary TB) or organs other than Lungs such as TB of Lymph node (neck), Abdominal TB, Central Nervous System TB

According to Drug Sensitivity Pattern TB can be classified as Drug Sensitive TB – TB bacteria are susceptible to standard first-line anti-TB drugs, Drug Resistant TB / MDR TB – occurs when TB bacteria become resistant to at least one of the most effective anti-TB medications.

The symptoms of TB can vary depending on the location and severity of the infection. Common symptoms include Coughing: A persistent cough that lasts for three or more weeks., Chest pain, coughing up blood, Fatigue (Feeling weak or tired.), Weight loss, Night sweats, low grade Evening rise fever, Swelling of glands in neck

For Diagnosis of TB, We do
Chest X-ray, Sputum test: To check for the presence of TB bacteria in the sputum, CT Thorax Bronchoscopy – if Patient is not Expectorating sputum

TB treatment typically involves a combination of Anti TB medication for 6 months in case of Drug sensitive TB(DSTB), and 9- 20 Months in Drug Resistant TB (DRTB).

Prevention of Tuberculosis- BCG Vaccine given at birth, to protect young children from severe forms of TB infection/disease, Regular screening for TB can help detect the disease early, especially needs to be done in High-Risk group. Implementing infection control measures, such as wearing masks and improving ventilation, can help prevent the spread of TB.

TB is the oldest airborne pandemic that continues to threaten global health and kills more people than any other infectious disease. By committing to action, investing health resources strategically, and delivering high-quality care and prevention, Yes! We can make history by ending TB, together.

(Author is Specialist, Medical Indoor Services, Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur. The views are personal.)