Journal of Infectious Diseases & Preventive Medicine
Open Access

Identifying the Role of Tuberculosis and its Significance

Domínguez Joan^{* *}Correspondence: Domínguez Joan, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA, Email:

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Description

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, causing millions of deaths each year despite being preventable and treatable. This infectious disease primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, leading to serious complications if left untreated. In this article, we search into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis, shedding light on this persistent public health issue. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria. Individuals can become infected by inhaling these droplets. Factors that increase the risk of TB transmission include crowded and poorly ventilated environments, close contact with infected individuals, weakened immune systems such as in Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) and malnutrition. Tuberculosis can manifest in various ways depending on the stage of infection and the organs involved. However, in some cases, TB may be asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and increased risk of transmission. Diagnosing TB involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. A healthcare provider may perform a tuberculin skin test or blood test to detect the presence of the TB bacteria. Chest X-rays and sputum tests are also commonly used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of lung involvement. In cases of extra pulmonary TB, additional tests such as CT scans, MRI, or biopsies may be necessary to identify affected organs. Treating TB typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken over several months. The most commonly used drugs include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Treatment regimens may vary depending on factors such as drug resistance, patient age, and overall health status. It is crucial for patients to adhere strictly to their prescribed treatment regimen to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of TB. Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) programs, where healthcare workers supervise medication intake, help improve treatment adherence and outcomes. Preventing TB transmission relies on a multi-faceted approach. Vaccination with the Bacilli Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine can help protect against severe forms of TB, particularly in children. Other preventive measures include identifying and treating latent TB infection in high-risk individuals, promoting infection control practices in healthcare settings, improving access to TB diagnostics and treatment, and addressing social determinants of health such as poverty and overcrowding. Despite significant progress in TB control efforts, several challenges persist. Drug-resistant TB strains, including Multi Drug-Resistant (MDR-TB) and Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDRTB) forms, pose a serious threat to global health security. Limited access to healthcare services, particularly in low-resource settings, hampers early diagnosis and treatment initiation. Stigma associated with TB can also discourage individuals from seeking care, further exacerbating the problem. Tuberculosis remains a major global health concern, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and underscoring the importance of equitable access to healthcare. Efforts to combat TB must be multifaceted, addressing not only medical aspects but also social, economic, and environmental determinants of health. By raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis and treatment, and investing in study and innovation, we can work towards the goal of eliminating tuberculosis and alleviating its burden on individuals and communities worldwide.