Tuberculosis, often abbreviated as TB is a bacterial, infectious disease caused by the microbe mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is highly contagious, particularly in crowded areas and if left untreated can prove fatal in half of all instances. There are currently three active strains of TB, the general, which is treatable with ordinary medication, the MDR (Multiple Drug Resistant), which is partially resistant to antidotes, and XDR (Extensively Drug Resistant) strain, which highly resistant to all forms of treatment and requires specialised drugs.

TB is identified through its symptoms, which include persistent cough, chest pain, coughing with bloody sputum, urine discoloration or cloudy or reddish urine, fever with chills and fatigue. The disease was at its peak during the 19^th century, however there has been a rise in cases in recent times, owing to the HIV epidemic.  Here are some other interesting facts about TB:

1. TB Doesn’t Just Affect the Lungs

While TB is known primarily as a pulmonary (lung) disease, it can also affect other parts of the body, including the kidneys, brain, and spine. These extra-pulmonary infections are even more lethal than an infection of the lungs, and require immediate treatment.

2. Up To 10% of People with Latent TB Develop Active Tuberculosis

As an airborne disease, TB is so contagious, it infects a third of the world’s population, however only 10% actually develop an active infection. Since the initial symptoms are mild, most patients are completely unaware of their infection, meaning they can each infect between 15-20 other people a year.

3. TB Is an Airborne Disease

TB is spread through expelled droplets, every time an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. Anyone who breathes in these particles is susceptible to an infection.

4. Smokers Are More Likely To Contract TB

Smokers are more than twice more likely to contract TB, while alcoholics and diabetics are also at a greater risk than the general population.

5. There Is a Vaccine against TB

The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is recommended for healthy babies, to be administered as soon as possible after they’re born. However, infants who are HIV+ cannot be vaccinated. This vaccine can just as easily be administered to adults as well.

Prime Minister Modi’s vision to end TB in India by 2025 will implement a national strategic plan (NSP) with funding of over Rs. 12,000 crore for the next three years to safeguard every TB patient and provide access to treatment, quality diagnosis and abundant support.

It has been witnessed that Tuberculosis is a leading contagious killer in India with over 4 lakh people surrendering to the disease. The estimated new cases in the country recorded were beyond 25 lakhs. Under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), a proposal of Rs.500/month per patient for the nutritional support of TB-affected patients during the course of the treatment will be given as an incentive.

A big challenge India is facing is the lack of a proper protocol for either diagnosis or treatment. Any person with symptoms of TB should undergo diagnostic tests. If they are found to have the disease, they should be given drug resistance tests.

Awareness is the first step towards good health. In infections such as tuberculosis, it is important that patients are fully aware of the burden of the disease, the types of tests needed, the drugs used for treatment, duration of treatment, disease monitoring and treatment progression.

Dr. Anita Suryanarayan

Vice President, Operations (South India &  Sri Lanka),

Metropolis Healthcare Ltd

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