TB 101“Basic Facts on “Basic Facts on Tuberculosis”Tuberculosis”

What we should know… The TB Scenario

Defining TB: Cause, Transmission, and

Manifestations

Risk of TB infection

Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis

TB Treatment and Cure

Preventing transmission

Proper Management of TB cases

TB Burden in the World

1/3 of the World Population is Infected

1 Person is Infected per Second

1.9 Million People Die of TB each Year

Philippines is 1 of the world’s 22 high-burden

countries for Tuberculosis

TB Burden in the Philippines

22 million reported

infections

TB kills 75 Filipinos per day

TB is the 6th leading cause

of Mortality and Morbidity

Undiagnosed TB cases

remain high in local

communities

What is Tuberculosis?

TUBERCULOSIS is an infectious

disease caused by a micro bacteria

called “Tubercle bacilli”. It is

airborne. It usually affects the lungs but

may also affect other organs in the body

like the meninges, bones, kidneys etc.

The Tubercle Bacilli

Other Names:

Mycobacterium

tuberculosis

TB germ

Characteristics:

• slow growing

• can survive inside cells of the human body

• exposure to direct sunlight can kill the bacteria in sputum

How is it transmitted?

The TB Bacilli spreads through

airborne inhalation of droplets of

infection coming from a TB patient

whenever a person coughs or

sneezes, without covering his

mouth.

How does PTB develop?1. TB bacilli enters the body and

lodges in the lungs (TB

Infection).

2. In the lungs, they multiply

and slowly eat the cells and

the body begins to experience

symptoms (TB Disease)

3. If undiagnosed, lungs cells

are eaten up leading that may

lead death.

A person is infected

after inhaling droplets

from a person with TB

What are the signs and symptoms of TB?

Persistent cough for at least 2 weeks

Chest pains/ Back Pains (breathlessness)

Persistent low grade fever for more than a

month Significant weight loss with or with out

loss of appetite

Hemoptysis (Blood-tinged sputum)

Feeling of weakness (tiredness)

Night Sweats

Who are at risk of getting TB?

People who share the same breathing

space with someone who has infectious TB

Health workers, specially those working in

long-term facilities (prison, sanitariums,

etc.)

People whose immune systems are

compromised (People with HIV infection,

Pneumonia, Chronic lung disease, etc)

Who are at risk…

People exposed to silica and those with jobs that

compromise the respiratory system (mine

workers)

People underweight and malnourished (esp.

Children)

Alcoholics and IV drug users

Others

How is TB diagnosed?

1. Sputum Microscopy

– It shows the TB

bacilli in the sputum

– It is the most

definitive diagnostic

tool of Tuberculosis

How is TB diagnosed?

2. Chest X-Ray

– Determines extent

of the lung

damage

– Not a very

definitive

diagnostic tool

How is TB cured? TB can be cured. DOTS (Directly-Observed

Treatment Short Course) is the recommended strategy to cure TB.

It ensures the right combination and dosage of anti-TB drugs.

It ensures regular and complete intake of anti-TB drugs.

Patient takes drugs every day with the help of a treatment partner.

With proper treatment…

We want to treat patients with DOTS:

1. To make them get well as soon as

possible

2. To make them stop spreading the

disease onto others in the community

3. To avoid complications and multi-drug

resistance (MDR)

How can TB be prevented?

1. BCG vaccination for infants (newborn to 1 year old). This gives 80-85% protection against development of complicated TB among children;

2. Hygienic practices like covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing; and

3. Early diagnosis and treatment of TB infectious cases to stop transmission

Other Preventive Measures…

Maintain open air circulation inside the house

Have enough sleep

Eat nutritious food that boost the immune system

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and use of prohibited drugs

What are some misconception about TB?

Misconceptions FactsTB is mana-mana TB is hawa-hawa

TB results from “Pasma” and “naulanan”

TB is due a bacteria known as the “Tubercle bacilli”

TB is transmitted through sharing utensils with a person with TB

TB is transmitted through inhalation of the droplet nuclei from a person with TB

TB is not curable. One should be ashamed of his disease.

TB can be cured. The patient’s commitment is important. Everyone’s support is important in fighting TB.

REMINDER

If you experience the signs and symptoms of TB, do not be ashamed. Immediately visit our clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment