World Tuberculosis Day – 24th March – Types of TB, Causes, Who is at Risk?
From the molecular biological study of Egyptian mummies, it has been established that tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of ancient times. However, it was discovered by Sir Robert Kochs on 24 March 1882.
India carries the 28% of the world’s TB cases with very slow decline rate of new cases. Around 40% Indians have latent TB infection of which 10% convert in to active TB case. On World Tuberculosis Day, let’s get educated about this disease that’s affecting so many people in the nation and also the world over.
What are the types of TB?
There is two types of TB viz. Drug-sensitive and Drug-resistant.
Who are at most risk of the infection?
People living with Diabetes, HIV, Alcoholics, Tobacco addicts, people on chemotherapy, dialysis, malnourished people and those with Vitamin D deficiency are at more risk for TB infection.
Causes
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis is a bacteria responsible for it infection and it is transmitted by droplets and aerosol.
What parts of the body get be affected by TB?
Except hair and nails, all organs of the human body are affected by tuberculosis. Most common organs are the lungs, lymph nodes, pleura, bones and other .
Symptoms
Cough for more than two weeks, evening rise of temperature with night sweat, loss of appetite and weight are the most common symptoms of TB.
Methods of Diagnosis
Detection of TB bacteria under a microscope and by culture consider as the gold standard for diagnosis of TB. However, newer tests like Gene Xpert and IGRA are used to diagnose it.
Treatment
Tuberculosis is treatable with modern medicine. Depending upon the type of TB i.e whether drug-sensitive and drug-resistant, its treatment varies.
Drug-resistant TB is now a major public health issue.
It is important to spread awareness of tuberculosis. In India for every three minutes, two people are dying on account of TB. An individual patient is losing 20-30% of annual revenue and as result, people not reporting for work there are loses up to the tune of 100 million dollars annually to the Indian economy.
Awareness will save many lives, let’s pledge to do our best today!
By Dr. Anilkumar Singal
MD in Chest Medicine -- Consultant Chest Physician at GSBS Medical Trust. Consulting in Mumbai since 2000.