Tuberculosis is one of the most common diseases manifested globally but with early preventive methods it’s occurrence can be minimized. TB is an infectious and communicable disease caused by a bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis ,which commonly affects the lung. India has the highest burden of TB prevalence, thereby spreading the awareness among the community can help decrease the incidence. TB is strongly associated with poverty and this is primarily due to poor nutrition in India. The COVID -19 epidemic led to an increased undernourished status in India. According to the World health organisation report in 2022, overall, an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with TB worldwide, which allows us to conclude that it is important to spread awareness about prevention of the disease.

HOW IS TB SPREAD?

Tuberculosis is an air borne disease which can spread through droplets and contact with the person who is actively infected with TB. Tuberculosis spreads easily in over-crowded environments. Infectious organisms are mostly transmitted from one active host to another susceptible host. The presence of bacteria in the body can be symptomatic (active TB) or asymptomatic (latent TB).

WHO ARE MORE AFFECTED WITH TB?

People who have an unhealthy lifestyle including

• Smoking

• Tobacco chewing

• Alcoholism

• Obesity

• Malnutrition

are more prone to acquire the disease. Importantly those who are immunocompromised such as having AIDS ( by HIV) are at much higher risk. Other diseases such as diabetes, chronic lung disease , chronic renal failure can also increase the incidence of the disease.
Studies have shown that smoking is the leading cause of Tuberculosis in India.

SYMPTOMS OF TB:

Earliest sign for the manifestation of TB would be cough.
Cough is very common among many people, which can even occur with mild flu and so it is not to be worried. But when it is present for a longer duration, then getting checked with a doctor is preferred. Cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, etc.. may be mild for many months.

There are many stages of TB infection. During the primary infection, only mild flu-like symptoms such as cough, low fever, etc..will be present. It is followed by a latent phase which is mostly asymptomatic. Most of the symptoms of TB such as cough, fever with chills, weight loss, decreased appetite, night sweats, tiredness, occur during the active TB.

IS TB TREATABLE ?

According to WHO reports, 53 million lives have been saved through effective diagnosis and treatment! Therefore with proper care, TB is a curable and preventive disease. Active and drug-sensitive TB disease is treated with standard antimicrobial drugs. After being diagnosed with TB, one must continue the medication given without withdrawal, which can lead to positive results.

PREVENTION OF TB:

Recently the main aim of many health care associations and professionals is to promote measures to prevent TB. Pertaining to the old saying, “Prevention is Cure” , TB is a disease that can be very well prevented with effective strategies and methods.

WHO also promotes preventive action through early screening and treatment for active TB, by addressing co-morbidities and health risks as well as social determinants of the disease, and by promoting access to universal health care.

One of the most common methods of prevention is via the BCG vaccine for children. Contraindications are that people who are on immunosuppressant drugs and at pregnancy (based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) cannot take the vaccine.

Apart from vaccination, general preventive measures must be initiated by the high risk individuals. These measure include:

• Avoiding overcrowded areas

• To avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

• Leading healthy lifestyle by having regular exercise and proper diet

  People infected with TB must take precautions to prevent spread of the disease such as:

  • Take the prescribed medications regularly

  •  Avoid over crowded areas

  • Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing

  • Maintain clean hygiene and wash hands regularly

  • Avoid travel

EFFECT OF COVID 19 ON TB:

COVID-19 response related lockdown has resulted in an economic crisis which may double levels of poverty, has exacerbated food insecurity, and disrupted TB services. These developments may have serious implications for TB progression and transmission in India. Therefore the pandemic did have an impact on the TB prevalence. But their diagnostic methods are similar and also the treatment was made effective with early diagnosis.

Now, with that being the case, everyone must be aware of the risk factors and preventive measures. Therefore, we must work together in preventing this infectious disease and make this world a better place to live.

- CLARIPHEN DEBBIE. J