Every year on March 24, the world unites to observe World Tuberculosis Day, raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and strengthening global efforts to eliminate this preventable and curable disease.
Despite medical advancements, tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. According to the World Health Organization, TB causes over 1.5 million deaths annually.
India continues to carry one of the highest TB burdens globally. Several factors contribute to its persistence:
High population density and crowded living conditions
Limited access to timely healthcare services
Malnutrition and weakened immunity
Emergence of drug-resistant TB strains
TB not only affects health but also impacts families socially and economically due to prolonged illness and treatment duration.
Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs but can involve other organs as well.
The most common form, affecting the lungs. It spreads through airborne droplets and causes symptoms like persistent cough and fever.
Occurs when TB bacteria spread to other organs such as:
Lymph nodes
Bones and spine
Brain
Kidneys
Reproductive organs
Symptoms vary depending on the organ involved.
TB spreads through the air. When a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, laughs, or speaks, tiny droplets containing bacteria are released into the air. Others may inhale these droplets and become infected.
However, not everyone infected develops active disease. Many people develop latent TB infection, where bacteria remain dormant without causing symptoms. Latent TB is not contagious but can become active if immunity weakens.
Certain conditions increase the likelihood of developing active TB:
Living in overcrowded or poorly ventilated areas
HIV/AIDS infection
Diabetes
Malnutrition
Smoking or substance abuse
Young children and elderly individuals
Previous incomplete TB treatment
Individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing complications and transmission. Common symptoms include:
Persistent cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks
Blood in sputum
Low-grade fever
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
If these symptoms persist, medical evaluation is essential.
Early diagnosis helps:
Prevent spread to others
Reduce risk of severe complications
Improve treatment success
Lower mortality
Prompt medical intervention significantly improves outcomes.
Healthcare providers may recommend:
Chest X-ray – Detects lung abnormalities
Sputum test – Identifies TB bacteria
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) – Detects TB exposure
Molecular diagnostic tests – Identify drug resistance
Often, multiple tests are used together for accurate diagnosis.
TB is treated with Anti-Tubercular Therapy (ATT), usually lasting 6–9 months. Completing the full course is critical to eliminate bacteria completely.
Symptoms often improve within weeks, but stopping medication early can lead to relapse or drug resistance.
Some strains of TB bacteria have become resistant to standard medications. Drug-resistant TB requires:
Longer treatment (up to 18–24 months)
Stronger medications
Close monitoring
This highlights the importance of treatment adherence.
Missing doses or stopping treatment prematurely can:
Cause treatment failure
Increase risk of recurrence
Promote drug-resistant TB
Strict adherence ensures successful recovery.
Preventing TB spread requires community-level action:
Fresh air circulation reduces airborne bacteria concentration.
Cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
Identifying cases quickly reduces transmission.
Prevent progression to active disease.
The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is widely administered in countries with high TB burden. While it does not fully prevent infection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe TB forms in children.
Even after recovery, some individuals may experience:
Lung scarring
Reduced lung function
Chronic cough
Organ damage in extrapulmonary TB
Early treatment reduces the risk of permanent complications.
Genital TB can cause infertility due to scarring of reproductive organs.
Untreated TB during pregnancy can lead to:
Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Neonatal infection
With timely treatment, most women can safely complete pregnancy.
Yes, TB can recur if:
Treatment was incomplete
The immune system weakens
Re-exposure occurs
However, proper treatment significantly reduces recurrence risk.
Common side effects may include:
Nausea
Liver-related issues
Skin rashes
Nerve pain
Most side effects are manageable with medical supervision and timely reporting.
Ending tuberculosis requires:
Strong political commitment
Increased funding
Community awareness
Early testing and diagnosis
Strict treatment adherence
Social support systems
The 2026 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB,” reminds us that elimination is achievable through collective action. TB is preventable, treatable, and curable — but awareness, early diagnosis, and commitment are essential.
On this World Tuberculosis Day, let us renew our responsibility to spread awareness, support those affected, and work together toward a TB-free world.
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