TUBERCULOSIS By Keertana Rajagopal

INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION
2. WHAT IS TB?
3. SYMPTOMS OF TB
4. DIAGNOSIS OF TB
5. PREVENTION OF TB
6. WORKSHOP PHOTOS
7. TEACHER’S REMARKS
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
In this presentation, we will delve into the crucial
topic of Tuberculosis (TB), shedding light on its
various aspects, including its definition, causes,
prevention, consequences, and strategies for
control. TB is not just a disease but a global health
challenge that has persisted for centuries. It is
imperative to raise awareness about TB, as it
continues to impact millions of lives worldwide.
TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis (TB), often referred to as TB, is an infectious disease caused

by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the
lungs but can also target other organs. TB has plagued humanity for
centuries, earning the dubious distinction of being one of the deadliest
infectious diseases in history. In this article, we will delve into what TB is,
how to prevent it, its consequences on health and society, and the strategies
to stop its spread.
IMPORTANCE OF TB
AWARENESS
TB awareness is of paramount importance because, despite being preventable
and treatable, it remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally. By
understanding TB, its modes of transmission, and the measures we can take
to prevent it, we empower ourselves and our communities to combat this
silent epidemic. Moreover, by reducing the stigma associated with TB, we
can encourage early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately saving lives and
contributing to the global effort to eradicate this disease. So, let's embark on
this journey of understanding, as we explore TB from various angles and
discuss the pivotal role each of us can play in its prevention and control.
WHAT IS TB ?
WHAT IS TUBERCULOSIS?
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that spreads through the
inhalation of tiny droplets containing the Mycobacterium
tuberculosis bacterium, released into the air when an infected
individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. Once inhaled, the bacteria may
settle in the lungs, where they can remain dormant for years without
causing symptoms, a condition known as latent TB. However, in
some cases, the bacteria become active, leading to active TB disease.
Active TB typically presents with symptoms such as persistent
cough, chest pain, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. If left untreated, it
can be fatal.
MYCOBACTERIUM
TUBERCULOSIS:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a highly resilient, slow-growing bacterium
responsible for causing tuberculosis (TB) in humans. Its distinctive features
include a waxy, lipid-rich cell wall, which not only gives it a unique
appearance under a microscope but also contributes to its ability to withstand
harsh environmental conditions and evade the host immune system.
This bacterium primarily targets the lungs, where it forms small, tough
structures known as granulomas, making it difficult for the body's immune
defenses to penetrate and eliminate the infection. Mycobacterium
tuberculosis is known for its capacity to remain dormant within the host for
extended periods, sometimes years, before reactivating and causing active TB
disease. Understanding its biology is crucial for developing effective
diagnostic and treatment strategies against this persistent pathogen.
MODES OF TRANSMISSION
Tuberculosis (TB) primarily spreads through airborne transmission. When
an individual with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, talks, or even
breathes, they expel tiny droplets containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
the causative bacterium. These infectious droplets can remain suspended in
the air for extended periods, making it possible for others in close
proximity to inhale them. Once inhaled, the bacteria may settle in the
lungs and initiate infection.
TB is highly contagious in crowded or poorly ventilated environments,
making it crucial to practice respiratory hygiene and infection control
measures to reduce its transmission. Additionally, individuals with active
TB should minimize close contact with others until they are no longer
infectious to prevent the disease from spreading further.
SYMPTOMS OF TB
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF TB (ACTIVE TB
DISEASE):

Active tuberculosis (TB) disease often manifests with a range of

symptoms that can vary in severity. The most common symptoms
include persistent cough, often accompanied by sputum production,
chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Individuals may experience
fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, and night sweats. These
symptoms can develop gradually and may be mistaken for other
respiratory illnesses, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Timely
identification of these symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and
intervention to prevent the progression of TB disease .
LATENT TB INFECTION
Latent TB infection is a state in which individuals are infected with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis but do not exhibit symptoms of active
TB disease. There are typically no signs of illness, and individuals
with latent TB infection are not contagious. However, they carry the
risk of developing active TB disease in the future if the infection
becomes active due to a weakened immune system. Latent TB can be
identified through TB skin tests or blood tests, allowing for early
preventive treatment to minimize the risk of progression to active TB
disease.
DAIGNOSIS
HOW TB IS DIAGNOSED.
The diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) involves a combination of
clinical evaluation, medical history, and laboratory tests. Healthcare
professionals consider symptoms such as persistent cough, fever,
weight loss, and chest pain. A thorough physical examination is
conducted, and medical history, including potential TB exposure, is
reviewed. To confirm TB diagnosis definitively, laboratory tests are
employed.
TYPES OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Several diagnostic tests are available to identify TB:
1.Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): Also known as the Mantoux test, it involves
injecting a small amount of TB protein under the skin. A positive reaction
indicates exposure to TB but does not distinguish between latent and active
infection.
2.Chest X-ray: X-rays can reveal characteristic abnormalities in the lungs,
such as lung cavities, which may be indicative of active TB disease.
3. Sputum Test: The most definitive method involves collecting sputum (phlegm) samples
and examining them for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This test can confirm
active TB disease and guide treatment decisions.
4. Blood Tests: Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) measure the body's immune
response to TB. They are often used to diagnose latent TB infection.
Each of these tests plays a vital role in the diagnostic process, allowing for appropriate
treatment and containment of TB transmission.
PREVENTION
STRATEGIES FOR
PREVENTION
Strategies for TB Prevention:
Preventing tuberculosis (TB) is essential to control its spread.
Effective prevention strategies include:
1.Vaccination (BCG): The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine
is administered in many countries, primarily to children, and can
protect against severe forms of TB. Although it may not offer
complete immunity, it significantly reduces the risk of severe TB
disease.
2. Infection Control: Implementing strict infection control measures is
crucial to prevent TB transmission. This includes promoting respiratory
hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation, and using personal protective equipment
in healthcare settings.
3. Early Detection: Timely identification of TB cases through regular testing
and diagnosis is vital. Individuals with latent TB should receive treatment to
prevent progression to active disease, reducing the risk of transmission.
These combined measures are fundamental in reducing the burden of TB and
preventing its further spread in communities.
WORKSHOP CONDUCTED
TEACHER’S REMARKS
The students have put in commendable hard work and effort in drafting assignments,
blogs, essays and ppts. This internship program is helping students get exposure to
the real world issues and is helping students in their holistic development
THANKYOU
By: Keertana Rajagopal