Infectious Disease Awareness

Tuberculosis:
The Silent Epidemic

Mechanism

Latent vs. Active TB

🔬 Immune Simulator Guide

•

Red Dots (Bacteria): TB germs trapped inside the lung.

•

Green Circle (The Wall): In "Latent TB", the immune system builds a wall (granuloma) to cage the bacteria.

•

Active TB: When immunity weakens, the wall breaks, and germs escape to infect the lungs.

Lung Tissue View

🦠 Causes & Transmission

TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It is airborne—spreading when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

⚠️ Risk Factor: Crowded, poorly ventilated spaces increase transmission risk significantly.

Concerns in India

India bears the world's highest TB burden (27% of global cases). The 'TB Mukt Bharat' mission aims for elimination by 2025.

  • ⚠️ MDR-TB (Multi-Drug Resistant) is rising.
  • ⚠️ Social stigma prevents early testing.

🛡️ Solution & Prevention

Treatment (DOTS)

  • ✓ Finish FULL Course: Antibiotics must be taken for 6-9 months without fail to prevent resistance.
  • ✓ Free Treatment: DOTS therapy is available free at government centers in India.

Prevention

  • 🛡️ BCG Vaccine: Administered to infants to protect against severe forms of TB.
  • 🌬️ Ventilation: Keep windows open. Sunlight (UV) kills TB bacteria.
  • 😷 Hygiene: Cough etiquette and masks prevent spread to family.