What is Tuberculosis? Symptoms, Tests, Vaccine & Treatment Guide
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most contagious infectious conditions, affecting millions around the world. Despite significant advancements in medicine, TB continues to be a major global health threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries. According to the WHO reports, around 10.8 million individuals fell ill with TB in 2023, and 1.25 million succumbed to the disease. TB primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial. Today, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, preventive strategies ( please check if it should be prevention or preventive strategies), and available treatments for TB.
- What is Tuberculosis?
It’s a bacterial condition induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing airborne bacteria that others can inhale. While TB is curable with proper treatment, it remains a significant health concern due to its ability to develop drug resistance and its impact on vulnerable populations, such as those with compromised immune systems.
- How Common is TB?
TB exists worldwide, but certain regions bear a higher burden. The WHO Southeast Asia Region reported the most cases in 2023 (45% of worldwide TB patients), followed by the African Region and the Western Pacific Region. In addition, about 25% of the global population carries the TB bacteria in a latent form, meaning they are infected but not yet sick.
- Tuberculosis Symptoms
TB symptoms can develop gradually and can go overlooked in the premature phases. The condition predominantly targets the lungs, but other organs can also be affected, leading to varied symptoms.
- Common Symptoms of Pulmonary TB
- Chest discomfort or distress when breathing or coughing
- Fatigue and weakness, often worsening over time.
- Unexplained weight loss, sometimes significant
- Prolonged fever, usually mild but persistent
- Night sweats, soaking clothes, and disrupting sleep
- Symptoms of Extrapulmonary TB
In situations where TB extends outside the lungs, symptoms can differ based on the affected organ:
- TB in the bones and joints: Ache, inflammation, and problems in movement
- TB in the brain (TB meningitis): Severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, and nausea
- TB in the kidneys: Blood in urine and back pain
- TB in the lymph nodes: Swelling, often in the neck or underarms
- Is Tuberculosis Contagious?
Yes, TB is highly contagious, but it does not spread through everyday contact like handshakes or sharing meals. It spreads via airborne saliva drops released when a person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Not all individuals exposed to TB bacteria show signs of the condition forming—some may have a latent infection without symptoms.
- How Long is TB Contagious?
A person with active TB can spread the disease until they receives appropriate treatment. Most patients are no longer contagious within two to three weeks of beginning the treatment. However, stopping medication early or missing doses can allow the bacteria to multiply again, increasing the risk of transmission.
- Tuberculosis Tests and Diagnosis
Early and precise diagnosis of TB is important for effective treatment. Healthcare specialists utilize different tests to identify TB infection and disease.
- Common TB Diagnostic Tests
- Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux Test): A tiny amount of TB protein is infiltrated in the person, and the response is observed and documented after 48 to 72 hours.
- Interferon-Gamma Release Assay: This blood test detects an immune reaction to TB bacteria. It is commonly used for latent TB screening.
- Sputum Test: A sample of mucus (phlegm) is tested under a microscope or using advanced molecular tests like Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra.
- Chest X-ray or CT Scan: Helps detect lung damage or signs of TB.
- Culture Tests: TB bacteria are grown in a lab to confirm infection and test for drug resistance.
In 2023, only about 40% of people with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) received treatment, highlighting the need for wider diagnostic access.
- Tuberculosis Vaccine
Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is used in many regions and countries to prevent TB, particularly in children. It offers protection against extreme conditions like TB meningitis and miliary TB. However, its cure rate in preventing pulmonary TB in adult men and women ranges. WHO recommends BCG vaccination for newborns in high-risk areas.
- Tuberculosis Treatment
TB can be treated and cured with a rigorous regimen of antibiotic medications. The standard cure for drug-sensitive TB continues for six months and applies the usage of four main antibiotics:
- Isoniazid
- Rifampin
- Ethambutol
- Pyrazinamide
For drug-resistant TB, treatment can be more complicated, requiring more extended regimens and extra medications. WHO introduced the BPaLM/BPaL regimen, a six-month all-oral treatment, which has enhanced cure rates, efficiency, and decreased risks.
- Why Completing TB Treatment is Crucial
Stopping treatment early can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is harder to treat. TB that does not respond to first-line drugs requires stronger medications, often with more side effects and a longer duration. Incomplete treatment also increases the risk of spreading the disease to others.
- How to Prevent Tuberculosis
- Early Detection & Treatment: Seeking medical care for persistent cough and fever helps prevent spread.
- TB Preventive Therapy (TPT): People exposed to TB, especially those with HIV or diabetes, may receive preventive medication.
- Vaccination: The BCG vaccine is an effective preventive measure for young children.
- Infection Control Measures: Wearing masks, improving ventilation, and isolating contagious patients in healthcare settings.
- Strengthening the Immune System: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption reduces TB risk.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
Tuberculosis (TB) spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs, spits saliva, or sneezes, releasing bacteria into the nearby environment. Only individuals with active TB can transfer the condition, while those with latent TB cannot.
Recognizing tuberculosis symptoms early is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Common warning signs include a persistent cough lasting over three weeks, chest discomfort, and blood with cough. Other symptoms, like fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, and fever, may also develop gradually.
TB can be prevented through early diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination. The BCG vaccine is commonly utilized to guard children from severe TB forms, but it is not always sufficient to prevent pulmonary TB in grown-ups. People at high risk, such as healthcare workers, infants in TB-prevalent areas, and individuals exposed to TB patients, should consider vaccination.
- Conclusion
Despite being preventable and curable, TB continues to affect millions, particularly in vulnerable populations. Early detection, effective treatment, and widespread vaccination remain critical in controlling its spread. Through improved TB care, global efforts have saved over 79 million lives in the last twenty years. However, problems and hurdles to complete success, such as multidrug-resistant TB and healthcare access disparities, demand urgent action. By increasing awareness, educating people, improving diagnostics, and ensuring treatment adherence, we can move closer to eliminating TB by the next decade.