PTB

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB), also known simply as tuberculosis (TB), is an infectious disease usually caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. Most infections show no symptoms, in which case it is known as latent tuberculosis. About 10% of latent infections progress to active disease which, if left untreated, kills about half of those affected. The classic symptoms of active TB are a chronic cough with blood-containing sputum, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The historical term "consumption" came about due to the weight loss. Infection of other organs can cause a wide range of symptoms.

Tuberculosis is spread through the air when people who have active TB in their lungs cough, spit, speak, or sneeze. People with latent TB do not spread the disease. Active infection occurs more often in people with HIV/AIDS and in those who smoke. Diagnosis of active TB is based on chest X-rays, as well as microscopic examination and culture of body fluids. Diagnosis of latent TB relies on the tuberculin skin test (TST) or blood tests.

Prevention of TB involves screening those at high risk, early detection and treatment of cases, and vaccination with the BCG vaccine. The majority of TB cases can be cured when the right medication is available and administered correctly. The standard short course treatment for TB is isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for two months, followed by isoniazid and rifampicin alone for a further four months. The patient must take the medications for the exact duration prescribed to fully eradicate the bacteria and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

Tuberculosis management requires a coordinated public health approach, involving a high degree of patient support and education. Directly observed therapy (DOT) has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure compliance with treatment. The global burden of TB remains significant, with an estimated 10 million people developing the disease and 1.5 million deaths annually, making it one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.

Despite the availability of effective treatment and prevention strategies, TB control has been complicated by the emergence of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), as well as the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These challenges underscore the need for continued research into new vaccines, diagnostic tests, and treatments.