World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness about the global impact of tuberculosis (TB) and the efforts to eliminate it. Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. This day serves as a reminder of the need to continue efforts to control and ultimately eradicate this devastating disease.
Dr. Priyajit Jena, MD Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care, Chest Specialist at MKCG MCH, shares valuable insights on TB:
“TB is primarily transmitted through airborne infectious aerosols that are small enough (1–5 μm in size) to remain airborne and disperse via air currents. This means activities such as coughing, sneezing, talking, and even singing can contribute to the spread of TB. Individuals in close contact with those infected, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.”
There are two main forms of tuberculosis: pulmonary TB and extrapulmonary TB. Pulmonary TB affects the lungs and is the most common form, while extrapulmonary TB can affect other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain. Early detection of TB is crucial for effective treatment, and diagnostic tools such as chest X-rays and sputum tests play a vital role in identifying lung abnormalities associated with the disease.
Dr. Jena emphasizes, “TB tends to have a more severe impact on individuals with pre-existing conditions, also known as comorbidities, such as HIV, diabetes, or other chronic illnesses. In these cases, TB often leads to worse health outcomes, including increased mortality. It's critical that these individuals receive timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.”
“The treatment of tuberculosis involves a standard 6-month course of antibiotics, which commonly include isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. With proper treatment, TB is curable, but it requires strict adherence to the full course of medications to avoid the development of drug-resistant strains”, Dr. Jena added.
Despite being treatable, TB continues to pose significant challenges worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare and diagnostic services may be limited. The global fight against TB requires a multi-faceted approach that includes early diagnosis, timely treatment, and improved awareness about TB transmission, prevention, and control measures.
On this World Tuberculosis Day, it is essential to reinforce the importance of public health interventions, education, and support systems to ensure that every individual affected by TB has access to the care they need. The continued efforts to eliminate tuberculosis depend not only on medical advances but also on the collective awareness and action of communities and governments around the world.
Dr. Jena concludes, “TB is a preventable and curable disease, but we must continue our efforts to diagnose and treat it effectively, especially in vulnerable populations. Timely intervention and proper treatment protocols can save lives and significantly reduce the global burden of TB.”
