<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>h2>Tuberculosis (TB)
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is spread through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. The bacteria are released into the air in tiny droplets that can be inhaled by others.
Symptoms of TB
The symptoms of TB can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the part of the body affected.
Common symptoms of pulmonary TB (TB affecting the lungs) include:
- Persistent cough (lasting more than 3 weeks)
- Coughing up blood or phlegm
- Chest pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms of extrapulmonary TB (TB affecting other parts of the body) can include:
- Pain in the joints, bones, or spine
- Swelling in the lymph nodes
- Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart)
- Pleuritis (inflammation of the lining of the lungs)
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Stages of TB
TB infection can progress through different stages:
1. Latent TB Infection (LTBI):
- The bacteria are present in the body but are not active.
- The person does not have symptoms and cannot spread TB to others.
- Most people with LTBI never develop active TB.
- However, LTBI can progress to active TB, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
2. Active TB Disease:
- The bacteria are active and multiplying in the body.
- The person has symptoms and can spread TB to others.
- Active TB can affect the lungs (pulmonary TB) or other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB).
Diagnosis of TB
Diagnosing TB involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests:
- Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, travel history, and any contact with people who have TB.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for any abnormal sounds.
- Sputum Culture: A sample of your phlegm is collected and tested for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This is the most reliable test for diagnosing active TB.
- Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can reveal abnormalities in the lungs that are consistent with TB.
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): This test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin (a protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis) under the skin. A positive TST indicates that you have been infected with TB, but it does not distinguish between LTBI and active TB.
- Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): These blood tests detect an immune response to TB bacteria. IGRAs are more specific than the TST and can be used to distinguish between LTBI and active TB.
Treatment of TB
TB is a treatable disease, but it requires a long course of antibiotics. The standard treatment for active TB is a combination of four drugs:
- Isoniazid (INH)
- Rifampin (RIF)
- Pyrazinamide (PZA)
- Ethambutol (EMB)
These drugs are usually taken for 6 to 9 months.
Treatment for LTBI:
- People with LTBI are typically treated with a single drug, isoniazid, for 9 months.
Treatment for Drug-Resistant TB:
- Some strains of TB are resistant to one or more of the standard TB drugs.
- Treatment for drug-resistant TB is more complex and involves a longer course of multiple drugs.
Prevention of TB
- Vaccination: The BCG vaccine is available to protect against TB, but its effectiveness varies depending on the region and age of the person being vaccinated.
- Early Detection and Treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment of TB is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Isolation: People with active TB should be isolated to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
- Good Hygiene: Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding close contact with people who have TB can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Risk Factors for TB
- Weakened Immune System: People with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions that weaken the immune system are at increased risk for TB.
- Close Contact with Someone with TB: Living with or spending time with someone who has active TB increases your risk of infection.
- Travel to Countries with High TB Rates: Traveling to countries with high rates of TB increases your risk of exposure.
- Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of TB.
- Malnutrition: Poor Nutrition can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to TB.
Impact of TB
TB has a significant impact on global Health:
- Mortality: TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.
- Morbidity: TB can cause serious illness and disability.
- Economic Impact: TB can lead to lost productivity and healthcare costs.
Table 1: TB Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated number of people with TB worldwide | 10 million |
| Estimated number of TB deaths worldwide | 1.5 million |
| Countries with the highest TB burden | India, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan |
Table 2: TB Treatment Regimen
| Drug | Dosage | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Isoniazid (INH) | 300 mg daily | 6-9 months |
| Rifampin (RIF) | 600 mg daily | 6-9 months |
| Pyrazinamide (PZA) | 1500 mg daily | 2 months |
| Ethambutol (EMB) | 1500 mg daily | 2 months |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between latent TB infection and active TB disease?
A: Latent TB infection means the bacteria are present in the body but are not active. People with LTBI do not have symptoms and cannot spread TB to others. Active TB disease means the bacteria are active and multiplying in the body. People with active TB have symptoms and can spread TB to others.
Q: How is TB spread?
A: TB is spread through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. The bacteria are released into the air in tiny droplets that can be inhaled by others.
Q: Can TB be cured?
A: Yes, TB is a treatable disease. However, it requires a long course of antibiotics, typically 6 to 9 months.
Q: What are the side effects of TB medication?
A: TB medication can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and liver problems. It is important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience.
Q: What should I do if I think I have TB?
A: If you have any symptoms of TB, it is important to see a doctor right away. They can perform tests to diagnose TB and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Q: Is there a vaccine for TB?
A: Yes, there is a vaccine for TB called the BCG vaccine. However, its effectiveness varies depending on the region and age of the person being vaccinated.
Q: Can I get TB from a pet?
A: No, TB is not spread by pets. TB is a human disease and is only spread from person to person.
Q: What are some things I can do to prevent TB?
A: You can help prevent TB by getting vaccinated, avoiding close contact with people who have TB, and practicing good hygiene, such as covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands frequently.