World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, observed annually on March 24th, serves as a global reminder of the impact tuberculosis has on millions of lives worldwide and the ongoing efforts to eliminate this devastating disease.
Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains one of the top 10 fatal diseases globally, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in developing countries. The theme for World TB Day focuses on raising awareness, mobilizing support, and fostering commitments toward eradicating TB. This day marks the discovery of the bacterium that causes TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of TB is crucial in combating this disease, as early detection leads to more effective treatment and reduces its spread.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing droplets that can be inhaled by others. Not every person infected with TB bacteria becomes ill. Thus, two conditions exist – latent TB infection known as LTBI, and TB disease. Individuals with LTBI do not show symptoms, are not contagious, and may develop TB disease if they do not receive treatment. In contrast, TB disease causes symptoms and can be spread to others.
Recognizing the symptoms of TB is critical for early diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of TB disease primarily related to the lungs include:
Lasting three weeks or longer, often accompanied by chest pain and the coughing up of sputum or blood.
Unexplained weight loss is a common sign of TB, as the infection can cause loss of appetite.
A low-grade fever that lasts for several weeks and doesn’t respond to usual treatments.
Profuse sweating at night, even when the room temperature is cool.
A general sense of tiredness and weakness that doesn’t go away with rest.
If TB affects other parts of the body, symptoms can vary depending on the area involved.
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing TB disease after exposure to the bacteria. These include a weakened immune system, living or traveling to areas with high rates of TB, living in crowded or unsanitary living conditions, and substance abuse. People with certain diseases are at a particularly high risk, as are those with conditions that compromise the immune system.
Prevention of TB involves avoiding close contact with individuals known to have active TB disease, adequate ventilation in living and working environments, and the use of protective masks in high-risk settings. Vaccination with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is also used in many countries with high rates of TB to protect children from severe TB forms.
Treatment for TB depends on whether an individual has LTBI or active TB disease. For LTBI, preventive antibiotics can reduce the risk of developing TB disease. For active TB disease, a combination of antibiotics must be taken for at least six months. Adhering to the treatment plan is crucial to cure TB and prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.
Early detection and treatment of TB are essential to control the spread of the disease and improve outcomes for those infected. Anyone experiencing symptoms of TB should seek medical evaluation immediately. Health professionals can diagnose TB through skin or blood tests for LTBI and chest X-rays, sputum tests, and other diagnostic procedures for active TB disease.
World TB Day serves as an important reminder of the global effort required to eliminate tuberculosis as a public health threat. By staying informed about the signs and symptoms of TB, understanding the risk factors, and advocating for early detection and treatment, we can all contribute to the fight against TB. Let this day motivate us to support TB awareness, prevention, and care initiatives, bringing us closer to a TB-free world.
