Tuberculosis (TB)
Advanced diagnosis and treatment for pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis with personalized care plans
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB). TB is a potentially serious condition that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. In 2022 alone, approximately 10.6 million people fell ill with TB globally, and 1.3 million died from the disease. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, TB is curable.
There are two main categories of TB infection:
Latent TB Infection
The bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state. They cause no symptoms and are not contagious.
Active TB Disease
The bacteria multiply and cause symptoms. The person is contagious and can spread the infection to others.
How Does TB Spread?
TB spreads through the air when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. The bacteria can remain suspended in the air for several hours.
- TB is NOT spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, or kissing.
- People with latent TB cannot spread the infection to others.
- After starting proper treatment, most people become non-contagious within 2-3 weeks.
Important: If you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB, consult our pulmonologists immediately.
Who is at Risk for TB?
Medical Risk Factors
- Weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, diabetes)
- Undergoing chemotherapy
- Chronic kidney disease
- Organ transplant recipients
- Malnutrition
Environmental & Lifestyle
- Close contact with an infected person
- Living in crowded conditions
- Substance abuse
- Healthcare workers
- Travel to high-burden countries
Common Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Pulmonary TB Symptoms (Lungs)
Persistent Cough
Cough lasting 3+ weeks, sometimes with blood
Fever & Night Sweats
Low-grade fever with drenching night sweats
Unexplained Weight Loss
Significant weight loss without trying
Fatigue
Extreme tiredness and weakness
Extrapulmonary TB Symptoms
- Lymph node TB: Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck
- Pleural TB: Chest pain, difficulty breathing, fluid around lungs
- Bone TB: Back pain, joint swelling, difficulty walking
- TB meningitis: Headache, confusion, neck stiffness
How is TB Diagnosed?
- Chest X-Ray: To look for abnormalities in the lungs
- Sputum Microscopy: Examining sputum for acid-fast bacilli (AFB)
- Molecular Testing (CBNAAT/GeneXpert): Rapid PCR-based test for TB and drug resistance
- Culture & Drug Susceptibility Testing: Gold standard for diagnosis
- Tuberculin Skin Test or IGRA Blood Test: For latent TB infection
TB Treatment at Our Center
First-Line Anti-TB Medications
Phase 1: Intensive Phase (First 2 months)
Four drugs (INH, RIF, EMB, PZA) are taken daily to kill the active bacteria.
Phase 2: Continuation Phase (Next 4 months)
Two drugs (INH and RIF) are taken to eliminate remaining bacteria.
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) Support
We provide DOT support where a healthcare worker observes the patient taking their medication. This ensures treatment adherence and reduces the risk of drug resistance.
Managing Treatment Side Effects
- Nausea or vomiting: Taking medications with food
- Hepatitis: Regular liver function monitoring
- Joint pain: Pain management, dose adjustment
- Vision changes: Regular eye examinations
- Orange-red discoloration: Harmless but patients should be informed
⚠️ Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark brown urine
- Severe rash or blistering
- Sudden vision changes
Prevention of Tuberculosis
Individual Prevention
- BCG Vaccination for children
- Good respiratory hygiene
- Adequate ventilation
- Wearing masks in high-risk settings
Community Prevention
- Early diagnosis and treatment
- Contact screening and testing
- Latent TB infection treatment
- Public health education
Prognosis and Long-term Outcomes
Drug-sensitive TB Cure Rate
MDR-TB Cure Rate
Relapse Rate
With proper treatment, most patients with drug-sensitive TB achieve complete cure with a 6-month treatment course.
Why Choose Our TB Treatment Center?
Excellence in tuberculosis care with a patient-first approach
Advanced Diagnostic Lab
CBNAAT, Liquid Culture, DST testing
Expert Multidisciplinary Team
Senior pulmonologists & infectious disease specialists
Comprehensive DOT Support
Directly Observed Therapy with home visits
Long-term Follow-up Care
Regular monitoring and post-treatment surveillance