Last Updated on February 9, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Tuberculosis (TB) is affecting a major Indian population. A 2020 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), informs that India was among 30 countries that contributed to 86% of tuberculosis cases. Other data from the Global Tuberculosis Report in the year 2021 confirms that India has a tuberculosis epidemic. As per the report, India is one of the eight highest contributing countries accounting for 26% of the total tuberculosis cases. Besides this, tuberculosis is more common in people with HIV. In the year 2020, India accounted for 38% of global TB deaths among HIV-negative people. In this article, we have discussed whether there is a treatment for tuberculosis and the available treatment for tuberculosis in India.
Can tuberculosis be treated?
Yes, there are treatment methods for tuberculosis. Doctors treat TB by antibiotics. However, completing the course of antibiotics is essential as it reduces the chance of relapse. The available research papers show that tuberculosis is treated with antibiotics such as isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.
Doctors can also recommend fluoroquinolones and injectable medications such as amikacin or capreomycin in case the patient has drug-resistant tuberculosis. Besides this, bedaquiline and linezolid also treat active tuberculosis.
Is there a vaccine for tuberculosis?
Yes. There is a vaccine for tuberculosis. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine provides moderate protection against infection among infants and young children. However, this vaccine provides only 70-80% effectiveness. Also, BCG is not effective among adults.
A research paper published in 2019 shows that M72/AS01E vaccine is being studied more as it seems to prevent tuberculosis in adults. However, this vaccine is yet to be licensed for commercial use.
Which bacteria causes tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria mostly attack the lungs to cause cough and other symptoms. However, the bacteria can attack any part of the body.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is present in respiratory secretions which makes tuberculosis an airborne communicable disease. This bacterium spreads from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air while coughing or sneezing.
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