Why is tuberculosis such a serious disease today?

While tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious disease, significant progress has been made in controlling it. Here's why TB continues to be a concern today:

Persistent Transmission: TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Close contacts of infected individuals are at higher risk of contracting the disease. TB transmission is more likely to occur in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces or areas with limited access to healthcare.

Drug Resistance: The emergence of drug-resistant TB strains poses a significant challenge. When TB bacteria develop resistance to commonly used antibiotics, the disease becomes more difficult and costly to treat. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) require more prolonged and intensive treatment regimens.

Weakened Immune Systems: TB particularly affects individuals with weakened immune systems. People living with HIV, malnourishment, diabetes, or other chronic conditions are more vulnerable to developing TB. Immune suppression can make TB harder to detect, diagnose, and treat effectively.

Stigma and Limited Awareness: TB carries a stigma in some communities, leading to discrimination against affected individuals. Stigma can deter people from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment, contributing to the ongoing transmission of the disease. Additionally, raising public awareness about TB remains crucial to foster preventive measures and early detection.

Despite the challenges, significant efforts are being made globally to control TB. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set goals to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of TB. Improvements in diagnostics, vaccination research, and enhanced surveillance mechanisms contribute to the fight against this persistent disease. With ongoing commitment and collaboration, progress is being made towards eradicating TB.