Tuberculosis (TB) primarily targets the lungs and is a severe disease. The bacteria responsible for tuberculosis are the main culprits behind its occurrence. The spread of tuberculosis can occur through activities such as coughing, sneezing , as these actions release small droplets containing the bacteria into the air. When another person inhales these droplets, the germs find their way into their lungs, leading to infection.

This is a very important concept related to the UPSC IAS exams. It forms a significant portion of the General Studies Prelims syllabus and the General Studies Mains Paper 3 syllabus.

In this article, we learn about Tuberculosis Disease, its Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.

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What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially infectious disease. It is usually caused by a type of bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB primarily affects the lungs (Pulmonary Tuberculosis). It can also affect other parts of the body (Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis). TB spreads from person to person through the air. A person with TB of the lungs or throat can spread the disease when they cough, sneeze, or talk. This releases bacteria into the air. In 2019, approximately 10 million people worldwide were infected with TB.

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What are Tuberculosis Symptoms?

Symptoms of tuberculosis can vary. The variation depends on which part of the body is affected. Pulmonary tuberculosis is a type that primarily affects the lungs. It often presents with persistent coughing lasting more than three weeks. Other symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis may include chest pain. It may also include coughing up blood.

Latent TB infection does not cause symptoms. The bacteria in the body remain inactive. Treatment may still be necessary. The treatment aims to prevent TB from becoming active

Systemic symptoms can occur with tuberculosis. These may include fever, chills, and night sweats. Other systemic symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. Symptoms can also arise from extrapulmonary TB infections. The symptoms will depend on the area of the body affected.

For instance, swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, disorientation, or confusion may indicate TB affecting body parts other than the lungs. These symptoms generally develop gradually and may be subtle. It is important to seek medical attention if you notice any such changes in your health.

Study the Article National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme for UPSC Exam.

Causes for Tuberculosis

The main cause of Tuberculosis includes:

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

Diagnosing Tuberculosis involves:

• Skin Test or PPD Test- A small amount of substance called PPD tuberculin is injected just below the skin of your inside forearm. If you have TB, a raised lump will develop at the site within 48 to 72 hours.
• Blood Tests- Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) are used to diagnose TB by checking the immune system's reaction to TB bacteria.
• Chest X-ray or CT Scan- These are done to check for white spots in the lungs where your immune system has walled off TB bacteria, or for changes in the lungs caused by active tuberculosis.
• Sputum Tests- If your chest X-ray shows signs of TB, your doctor may take samples of your sputum and send them to a lab to test for TB bacteria.

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Treatment for Tuberculosis

Treating Tuberculosis usually involves:

• Isoniazid- This is one of the most common medications used to prevent TB and treat active TB.
• Rifampin- This antibiotic is used in combination with other drugs to treat TB.
• Ethambutol- This antibiotic is often given in combination with isoniazid and rifampin for the treatment of TB.
• Pyrazinamide- Another drug used in combination with other medications to treat TB.
• Completion of Full Course of Treatment- It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms have stopped. Failure to do so can lead to drug-resistant strains of TB.

What is Drug-Resistant TB?

Drug-resistant TB is a form of disease that does not respond to the most potent TB drugs. Key points include

Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB)- This occurs when an individual does not respond to at least isoniazid and rifampin which are the two most potent TB drugs.

Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB)- This is a rare type of MDR-TB that is resistant to isoniazid & rifampin, also any fluoroquinolone and at least 1 of three injectable second line drugs.

Check out the Article Neglected Tropical Disease.

Conclusion 

Understanding Tuberculosis is crucial not only for those who aspire to serve in healthcare and administration roles but also for the general public. As future civil servants, your understanding of diseases like TB can help shape better health policies for a healthier nation.

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