Introduction:
Tuberculosis, a bacterial disease, is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs but can attack any other body part, such as the brain, kidney, spine, etc. Not everyone infected with tuberculosis comes up with symptoms. Those who do not show signs have a latent tuberculosis infection, while others have tuberculosis disease. If the condition is not treated correctly, it may prove fatal.
What Is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis, also known as TB infection, is a bacterial disease that spreads through the air from one person to another. Tuberculosis germs can live in the body without showing signs and symptoms (latent infection). These inactive tuberculosis germs do not spread to others. However, if, in any case, these germs become active and multiply, they will make individuals sick (tuberculosis disease).
How Does Tuberculosis Spread?
Tuberculosis is an air-borne infection (spread through the air from one person to another). The bacteria get into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People living nearby may breathe in these bacteria and may become infected. However, the disease does not spread by:
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Shaking hands.
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Sharing food or drinks.
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Touching toilet seats or bed linens.
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Kissing.
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Sharing toothbrushes.
How Is Latent Tuberculosis Infection Different From Tuberculosis Disease?
Not everyone who is having tuberculosis infection becomes sick. As a result, two conditions exist:
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Tuberculosis infection.
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Tuberculosis disease.
Latent Tuberculosis Infection:
Latent means the germs are hidden or inactive. In latent tuberculosis, the bacteria live in the body without making individuals sick. For most people who breathe in the infected air and become infected, their bodies can defend themselves and stop the bacteria from growing. People living with these infections:
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Shows no signs or symptoms.
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Does not feel sick.
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They cannot infect other people.
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Have a positive tuberculosis skin test reaction.
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May develop tuberculosis in the absence of treatment.
Many people with tuberculosis infection have inactive tuberculosis disease. In such people, bacteria may remain dormant for a lifetime, causing no disease. However, in other people, especially those who have a weak immune system, the bacteria become active, multiply rapidly, and lead to tuberculosis disease.
Tuberculosis Disease:
If the immune system cannot fight the tuberculosis bacteria, the bacteria become active, leading to tuberculosis disease. People fighting this disease are sick and show signs and symptoms. Then, they spread the bacteria to others with common breathing space.
How to Know if Someone Has Become Infected With Tuberculosis Germs?
Individuals who have been exposed to tuberculosis should seek testing at their local health department.
There are two kinds of tests generally done to detect tuberculosis infection.
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Tuberculosis skin test.
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Tuberculosis blood test.
A tuberculosis skin test is more often done. This test uses a needle to put tuberculin (testing material) under the skin. After two to three days, an appointment is scheduled to check for any reaction to the test.
Sometimes, a blood test is also used to detect tuberculosis infection. This blood test measures how a person’s immune system reacts to bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
Other tests are done to confirm the tuberculosis disease, such as chest X-ray and sputum test.
What Can Be Done if One Has Tuberculosis?
In case of latent tuberculosis infection, individuals might need medicines to prevent the disease later. Therefore, one or more drugs are used to treat the latent infection.
In the case of tuberculosis, it is essential to take the drugs exactly as the doctor prescribes. If they stop taking the drugs in between, there are chances that they will become sick again. Furthermore, treating them becomes even more challenging if they do not take the drugs correctly and if the germs are still alive.
It takes six months to a year to kill the tuberculosis germs with the right medicines.
Who Is at More Risk of Tuberculosis?
People who are more likely to get sick from the disease include those:
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Who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
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Who recently had a tuberculosis infection.
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Who takes illegal drugs.
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Babies and young children.
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Older adults.
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Those with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or underweight.
What Are the Tips for Preventing Tuberculosis?
Here are some prevention tips for tuberculosis:
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Stay away from those who have active tuberculosis.
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When coughing or sneezing, wash one's hands frequently and cover the mouth.
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Maintain a healthy immune system by eating a good diet and exercising on a regular basis.
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Follow the rules for donning protective gear such as masks and gowns if individuals operate in a hospital setting abroad.
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Follow the whole therapy plan if one has latent tuberculosis.
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If going to a high-risk area and have a weakened immune system, consult the doctor about preventive measures.
Prevention is a must to stop the spread of tuberculosis. It relies on early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Transmission of the germs usually occurs in poorly ventilated locations, hospitals, care homes, or prisons.
What Are the Vaccines Available for Tuberculosis Prevention?
There is only one vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis. The vaccination is known as the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). It contains a live, weakened strain of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. In many countries, BCG is included in the standard infant vaccine regimen.
In newborns and early children, the BCG vaccine provides partial protection against severe types of tuberculosis. However, it does not protect adolescents and adults from tuberculosis or prevent latent TB infections from advancing to active disease. It also does not provide long-term protection; therefore, booster doses are occasionally prescribed for patients who are at high risk of contracting tuberculosis.
People with weakened immune systems cannot receive the BCG vaccine.
Conclusion:
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a bacterial disease that spreads through the air from one person to another. It is a curable bacterial disease but is the most common cause of death among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. The prognosis of this disease is dependent on multiple factors such as host (genetic variance, comorbidities, coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus, treatment adherence, and access to healthcare), pathogen factors (virulence, drug resistance), and the site of infection (pulmonary or extrapulmonary). The factor determining the favorable outcome is early detection and prompt treatment. The most effective treatment for latent tuberculosis infection is nine monthly courses of Isoniazid prophylaxis therapy. Unfortunately, Pyridoxine is also clubbed with Isoniazid. Recently, the 12-dose regimen of Isoniazid and Rifapentine has been more beneficial.
Currently, the bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is the only vaccine for tuberculosis. Vaccines under development include recombinant bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine., boosting with adjuvants, incorporating tuberculosis antigen expression into vaccine vectors, and killing whole cells or extracts.
