Tuberculosis prevention and treatment strategies

Tuberculosis: Know, Prevent, and Treat the Global Health Problem TB is a preventable and curable disease that has continued to exist as a major public health challenge in the world. The bacterium 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis' causes it and mainly attacks the lungs, but can attack other organs. The disease is one of the leading infectious killers in the world and, therefore, needs more continued awareness, prevention, and treatment efforts. This article delves into the various dimensions of TB, including causes, modes of transmission, symptoms, global prevalence, challenges, and effective strategies for prevention and treatment. What Causes Tuberculosis? TB is caused by 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis' a slow-growing bacterium that mainly attacks the lungs (pulmonary TB). It may however spread to other parts of the body including the brain, kidneys or the spine, leading to extrapulmonary TB. The bacteria can even survive in the body without manifesting symptoms for a very lo...