Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily affects the lungs, it can also impact the kidneys, spine, and brain. There are two types of TB: Latent TB infection, which is non-infectious, and TB disease, which is infectious.
Latent TB Infection
Individuals with latent TB infection show no symptoms and may not feel ill. A skin or blood test can detect the presence of the bacteria. Although it is not possible to spread TB bacteria from someone with latent TB, treatment is recommended to prevent the development of active TB disease. Without treatment, about 5-10% of those with latent TB may develop the disease, especially if they have a weakened immune system.
TB Disease
TB disease symptoms include coughing up blood, chest pain, weight loss, night sweats, fever, chills, and fatigue. It is contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. Treatment involves a combination of drugs taken over six months. Those with weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV or diabetes, are more susceptible to TB disease.
Historical Context
The understanding of TB has evolved over centuries. In 1546, Italian scientist Girolamo Fracastoro hypothesized its contagious nature. By 1882, German doctor Robert Koch identified the bacterial strain responsible for TB. The disease was a leading cause of death in 19th-century Europe, claiming the lives of notable figures such as John Keats and Anton Chekhov.
In 1921, the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine was developed, although a contamination incident in 1930 led to fatalities. The discovery of the antibiotic streptomycin in 1944 marked a turning point in TB treatment. Despite these advancements, TB saw a resurgence between 1985 and 1992, partly due to the spread of HIV.
Modern Developments
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared TB a global emergency in 1994 and introduced the Directly Observed Therapy Short-Course (DOTS) in 1995. In recent years, a new vaccine, M72/AS01E, has shown promise, and a four-month multidrug regimen has been found as effective as the traditional six-month treatment.
With up to 13 million people in the United States living with latent TB, awareness and understanding of this disease remain crucial in public health efforts.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
