World Tuberculosis Day 2023: The Clock is Ticking”

March 17, 2023 Helal Medical

World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24th each year to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB), one of the most dangerous infectious diseases, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The day is also intended to commemorate the discovery of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis by Robert Koch in 1882. The theme for World TB Day 2022 is “The Clock is Ticking”.

Tuberculosis (TB) a serious infection of the lungs, which is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. It spreads through inhalation of droplets released in the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. It is believed that the infection has been around for 3 million years, according to CDC.

The Global TB Epidemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there were 10 million new cases of TB in 2020, and 1.4 million deaths from the disease. This makes TB the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, and a major contributor to the global burden of disease. The majority of TB cases and deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and the disease disproportionately affects marginalized and vulnerable populations, such as people living with HIV, migrants, and refugees.

The Impact of COVID-19 on TB Control Efforts

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on TB control efforts, with disruptions to health services and supply chains leading to reduced access to TB diagnosis and treatment. The pandemic has also led to increased stigma and discrimination against people with TB, and has further marginalized vulnerable populations. It is essential that TB control efforts are integrated into the response to COVID-19, and that TB services are scaled up to meet the increased demand.

Innovations in TB Diagnosis and Treatment

There have been significant advances in TB diagnosis and treatment in recent years, including the development of new rapid diagnostic tests and the introduction of shorter, more effective treatment regimens. However, these innovations have not yet been widely adopted in many countries, and there is a need for increased investment in research and development to continue to improve TB diagnosis and treatment.

Why World Tuberculosis Day?

Each year, world countries celebrate World Tuberculosis Day on March 24. Why? To raise awareness about the devastating consequences of TB, which are not only health, but also social and economic. And to push up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. Why 24 March? That date marks the day when Dr Robert Koch discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which is March 24,1882.

On March 24, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). During this time, TB killed one out of every seven people living in the United States and Europe. Dr. Koch’s discovery was the most important step taken toward the control and elimination of this deadly disease. A century later, March 24 was designated World TB Day: a day to educate the public about the impact of TB around the world.

Community engagement is essential to the success of TB control efforts. This includes working with communities to raise awareness of TB, to promote early diagnosis and treatment, and to reduce stigma and discrimination. Community health workers can play a crucial role in identifying and referring people with TB, and in providing support and education to people living with TB and their families.

How is tuberculosis caused?

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a type of bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It’s spread by inhaling the expelled droplets, which contain TB bacteria from a person with active TB disease, when he coughs or sneezes.

The bacteria usually infect the lungs, but the infection can affect any part of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
The infection does not cause satisfactory symptoms in all infected people. There are two types of TB disease: latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease. If the disease is not treated properly, it can lead to serious deterioration in the patient’s health and possibly even death.

Types of Tuberculosis (TB)

There are 2 main types according to the status of disease

Latent TB: The person has TB infection, but the bacteria in the body are inactive and cause no symptoms. It is also called inactive TB.
Active TB: This condition makes the patient sick, with symptoms, and can spread infection to others, through cough and sneezing.

Who is at risk for TB infection?

Persons with low body weight (<90% of ideal body weight).
People who use substances (such as injection drug use).
Populations who are medically underserved and low-income populations.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

Many people infected with the bacterium that causes TB do not show symptoms. Symptomatic people complain of cough that lasts for more two or three weeks, cough up blood or thick mucus, experience night sweats, feel fatigued or weak, lose weight and appetite, have fever among other symptoms.

Prevention of TB?

Improving living conditions
General screening to diagnose cases for early treatment and transmission control
vaccination
The BCG vaccine, (Bacille Calmette-Guérin), is a live vaccine against tuberculosis. The vaccine is prepared from a strain of the weakened bovine tuberculosis bacillus, Mycobacterium Bovis. It is currently the only licensed vaccine against TB and has been in use since 1921.

SUMMARY

As we mark World Tuberculosis Day 2023, it is clear that much more needs to be done to end the global TB epidemic. We must scale up TB services, invest in research and development, and engage communities in the fight against TB. The clock is ticking and the time for action is now.