Prevention and Treatment

Image source: https://mammoth.bio/2021/05/25/infectious-disease-spotlight-tuberculosis/

PREVENTION

As is always believed, prevention is better than cure. Though there is no foolproof way to prevent TB, one can always take steps to limit the spread of the disease.

BCG Vaccination:

BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérini) s a live vaccine prepared by using weakened TB causing bacteria,

Mycobacterium bovis. It has been in use since 1921 with an efficacy of 80%. Despite the extensive

administration of this vaccine, every year there are around 9 million cases of TB reported

worldwide, which accurately highlights the low effectiveness of this vaccine.

Early Diagnosis
Spreading awareness so that people do not hesitate to get tested and treated
Using surgical masks
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems
Appropriate environmental conditions: Natural ventilation, Natural light, Good hygiene
Strengthening your immune system

TREATMENT

Treatment is time consuming and lasts for at least 6 months. A combination of front-line drugs is often prescribed.

The following four antibiotics are most widely used:

Isoniazid
Rifampicin
Pyrazinamide
Ethambutol

A tablet called Rifater can be prescribed which can contain Isoniazid, Rifampicin and Pyrazinamide, all together.

Completing the entire course of the treatment is of utmost importance to prevent the bacteria from becoming drug resistant, to eradicate the disease totally and to avoid recurrence of symptoms.

DIRECTLY OBSERVED TREATMENT, SHORT COURSE, DOTS (recommended by WHO) that comprises of political will and commitment; sputum smear microscopy services; drug supplies; standardized treatment schemes supervised by a trained healthcare professional; and uniformity in assessment of treatment results.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Loss of appetite
Feeling sick
Flu like symptoms
Nausea

Sources:

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