Introduction of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis or ‘TB’ is a very common and dangerous communicable infectious disease found in all parts of the world especially in developing countries like India. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease caused by a microorganism called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This tuberculosis-causing bacteria is a non-motile, intracellular parasite and actually belongs to the subgroup Actinomycetes (also called filamentous bacteria ).
The cause behind tuberculosis was discovered by Robert Koch and thus the disease is also known as Koch’s disease. He was awarded the Nobel prize for this in 1905. According to a study conducted by WHO, in 2020, India had the highest count of affected individuals among 30 high TB burden countries that accounts for 86% of TB cases. This is the reason why we must be aware of this disease.
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Types of Tuberculosis
This disease can be broadly categorized into two groups as follows-
Active TB - This is actually referred to as tuberculosis disease. The bacteria actively divide in the body of the host and symptoms become visible in the case of active Tuberculosis.
Latent TB - This type of TB is asymptomatic. Due to the strong immune system of the body, the bacteria are not able to flourish in the body of the host.
Some types of Active TB are given below-
Pulmonary Tuberculosis- This kind of tuberculosis affects the lungs.
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis- When tuberculosis not only affects the lungs but spreads to different parts of the body from the lungs, it is called extrapulmonary tuberculosis. This type of TB is very rare and can be found in people with low immunity.
Skeletal TB- Skeletal tuberculosis, also known as bone tuberculosis, is tuberculosis that spreads from your lungs or lymph nodes to your bones. Any of your bones, including your spine and joints, can be affected.
Miliary TB- Miliary tuberculosis is a type of tuberculosis that spreads throughout the body, affecting one or more organs. The lungs, bone marrow, and liver are frequently affected by this kind of tuberculosis. However, it has the potential to spread to other regions of the body, such as the spinal cord, brain, and heart.
Genitourinary TB- The second most frequent type of tuberculosis is genitourinary TB. The kidneys are the most common site, however, it can infect any region of the genitals or urinary tract. It commonly spreads from the lungs to the surrounding area via the blood or lymph nodes. Intercourse can also spread genitourinary TB, however, this is uncommon.
Liver TB- Hepatic TB is another name for liver TB. When tuberculosis (TB) attacks the liver, this happens. It is responsible for less than 1% of all tuberculosis infections. The lungs, gastrointestinal system, lymph nodes, and portal vein can all transfer TB to the liver.
Meningitis TB- TB meningitis, also known as meningeal tuberculosis, is a kind of tuberculosis that affects the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. From the lungs or the bloodstream, tuberculosis can travel to the meninges. TB meningitis, unlike other varieties of meningitis, usually takes a long time to develop.
Peritonitis TB- TB peritonitis is a type of tuberculosis that involves inflammation of the peritoneum, a layer of tissue that covers the inside of your abdomen and most of its organs.
Pericarditis TB- When tuberculosis spreads to the pericardium, it is known as TB pericarditis. This is made up of two thin layers of tissue separated by fluid that surrounds and supports the heart.
Cutaneous TB- Cutaneous tuberculosis is a type of tuberculosis that affects the skin. Even in places where tuberculosis is common, it is extremely rare.
Tuberculosis Symptoms
Tuberculosis is a chronic disease. It gradually starts and remains for a long time. Active pulmonary Tuberculosis is symptomatic and infectious. It shows the following symptoms-
Persistent cough for 3-4 weeks
Continuous fever
Chest pain
Blood in the cough of the patient
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Increase of hoarseness in voice
Fatigue
Tuberculosis Diagnosis
As the symptoms appear, one must go to the doctor for confirmation of the disease. If left untreated, tuberculosis can even lead to death. Early detection of the disease plays a crucial role in saving the life of the patient. There are various diagnostic methods that are used to detect tuberculosis.
Some of them famous diagnoses are mentioned below:
Tuberculin Test- This test detects pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculin is a toxin that is released by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The test used is the Mantoux Skin test. In this test, a small amount of old tuberculin is injected in the superficial layers of the skin. If in 72 hours some redness, scar, and swelling are found in the area of the application then the test is positive and the person is stated to be suffering from tuberculosis.
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis is not common and affects organs other than the lungs like the brain, spinal cord, joints, bones, intestine, kidneys, etc. To diagnose this disease a sample of bacteria is taken from the lesions caused or from the secretions of these lesions.
Sputum Test -Testing the sputum of the patient for the presence of causal bacteria can also reveal the status of the disease.
X-Ray -Taking the x-ray of the chest also helps in the diagnosis of the disease.
Tuberculosis Treatment
Treatment of tuberculosis is very important. Untreated TB can be lethal.
Antitubercular drugs like INH, Rifampicin are given to the patients for a time period of 4-6 months. The success of the treatment majorly depends upon the patient.
If one discontinues the treatment before its completion the disease can return and can become untreatable. The tracing of the progress of the patient during the course of treatment is also very necessary.
Isolating the patient is also a part of the treatment.
DOTS
Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) is a five-point strategy widely accepted and has been proved successful in treating TB. DOTS if applied effectively can prevent multi-drug resistance in the patient.
This treatment involves providing good drugs(medicines) to the patient on a regular basis using microscopy, observing the progress of the patient, and keeping track of it. This treatment course is continued for 6 months.
DOTS have been found effective in HIV patients also who are more susceptible to infections.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis is a chronic disease that affects many people throughout the world, especially in third-world countries. Focus on the different types of this disease and how it is treated.
FAQs on Tuberculosis
1. What is Tuberculosis and what causes it?
Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by a type of bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it mainly attacks the lungs (pulmonary TB), it can also affect other parts of the body like the brain, spine, and kidneys.
2. What are the most common signs and symptoms of Tuberculosis?
The symptoms of active TB can be mild at first, but they typically include:
- A persistent cough that lasts for three weeks or more
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
3. How does Tuberculosis spread from person to person?
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease. It spreads when a person with active TB disease of the lungs coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. This releases tiny droplets containing the TB bacteria into the air. Another person can then become infected by breathing in these droplets. It is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food, or touching bed linens.
4. What is the difference between latent TB and active TB?
The main difference lies in whether the bacteria are causing illness. In latent TB, you have the TB germs in your body, but your immune system keeps them from making you sick. You don't have symptoms and can't spread the disease. In active TB, the germs are multiplying and causing symptoms. A person with active TB disease is sick and can spread the bacteria to others.
5. Is there a vaccine for Tuberculosis?
Yes, there is a vaccine called BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin). It is often given to infants and young children in countries where TB is common. While the BCG vaccine can prevent severe forms of TB in children, its effectiveness in preventing lung TB in adults can vary.
6. Can Tuberculosis be permanently cured?
Yes, Tuberculosis is curable and preventable. It can be cured with a specific course of antibiotic drugs that must be taken for several months. It is crucial to complete the entire course of medication as prescribed by a doctor, even if you start feeling better. Incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is much harder to treat.
7. Why is a persistent cough considered a serious symptom of TB?
A persistent cough is a key warning sign because it indicates that the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria are actively damaging the lung tissue. This continuous irritation and inflammation trigger the cough reflex. Furthermore, coughing is the primary way the disease spreads, so a person with a persistent TB cough can easily transmit the bacteria to others, making it a public health concern.
8. How does a proper diet support TB treatment?
While diet alone cannot cure TB, good nutrition is vital for recovery. The disease and its treatment can cause weight loss and weaken the body. A balanced and nutritious diet helps strengthen the immune system, enabling it to fight the infection more effectively. It also helps the body tolerate the strong antibiotic drugs and rebuilds tissues damaged by the illness, leading to a faster and more complete recovery.
