Interested in learning about Tuberculosis? Delve into the details of TB, a disease primarily impacting the lungs, yet with potential to spread to the spine, kidneys, and even the brain. Ensure you’re well-informed.
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an infectious illness caused by mycobacteria. While it predominantly targets the lungs, it can also affect the spine, kidneys, and brain in certain cases. Annually, tuberculosis claims nearly two million lives, spreading through tiny droplets in the air.
Below are key facts about Tuberculosis:
- Tuberculosis is a contagious disease transmitted through the air. An untreated individual with TB can infect 10 to 15 people annually.
- Multiple exposures to TB virus increase the likelihood of infection in uninfected individuals exposed to contaminated air.
- Malnourished individuals and young adults are more susceptible to TB, which claims nearly two million lives each year.
- Tuberculosis is a global pandemic, with most deaths occurring in developing countries.
- TB manifests in two main forms: active TB (TB disease) and TB infection. The latter is asymptomatic and non-contagious, while individuals with TB disease exhibit symptoms and can spread the infection.
- Countries with the highest TB burden include Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, and various African nations.
- Timely medication can prevent TB infection from progressing to TB disease.
- Anti-TB drugs prescribed by medical professionals can effectively treat TB disease. Combination therapies like Directly Observed Therapy (DOTS) have shown high success rates, with eight out of ten patients successfully cured in India.
- TB is a leading cause of death among HIV-infected individuals, particularly in Africa where a significant portion of TB deaths are HIV-associated.
- While global TB incidence is still increasing by 1% annually due to rapid growth in Africa, intensive control efforts have helped reduce or stabilize incidence rates in other regions. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) arises from poor management of TB patients and is present in all 109 countries surveyed by the WHO, but DOTS programs can effectively prevent its spread.