Preventing Tuberculosis

TB or tuberculosis is an airborne infection caused by the bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or M. tuberculosis. Spread by droplets in the air from the infected person, this infection will generally strike the lung region. Although in its initial stages tuberculosis is not known to exhibit any symptoms it could create a multitude of symptoms in its more advanced stages. These symptoms would include fatigue, weight loss, wheezing, cough with or without blood, as well as others.

Tuberculosis can strike other organs of the body as well. Higher risk groups need to be especially cautious to avoid the contraction of this infection. These groups of individuals would generally include those receiving chemotherapy or who are organ recipients, infants, the elderly and of course those with a compromised immune deficiency, such as those with HIV. People who are infected with both HIV and TB will have a poor recovery rate. HIV combined with TB is one of the most prevalent causes of death among the HIV community.

Poor nutrition and living conditions, as seen in other countries and in the homeless, is also at a greater level of risk in contracting the TB infection. Tuberculosis is treatable in most individuals and with a good success rate with the use of antibiotics, as well as other forms of medications. Early treatment of TB is advisable to avoid damage to the lungs and/or other complications of the tuberculosis infection.

The spreading of an infection such as tuberculosis is always worrisome due to the fear of an epidemic that it could possibly create. Tuberculin testing, also known as a PPD, is done to screen for the exposure to TB. This testing procedure is used in areas that are most likely susceptible to exposure, such as the health care field.

If the PPD reveals a positive result this would be indicative of exposure previously and mandate the need for prevention therapy. A physician would need to be consulted and an appropriate course of action taken. If an individual is knowingly exposed to tuberculosis then they should definitely be tested for positivity of TB. If found to be negative at that time a repeat follow up should be performed. Because of the severity of TB manifesting into epidemic proportions prompt treatment is necessary to avoid this circumstance.

A vaccination, which is known as BCG, can be given to prevent tuberculosis. This vaccination is sometimes used in other countries with reportedly high incidences of tuberculosis. Its reliability factor in effectiveness is questionable.

Educating the community, especially health care workers, is of extreme importance in preventing this highly contagious bacterium. With better understanding and knowledge of the tuberculosis infection people are more aware of the consequences that it can inflict.

RESOURCES

Government of Hong Kong: Tuberculosis and Chest Service

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease: Tuberculosis Prevention

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: You can Prevent TB

American Lung Association: You Can Prevent Tuberculosis