Tuberculosis--- An old disease that has revived
Through out his existence,
man has been constantly haunted by several diseases; some of which have
persisted to date. Tuberculosis is one among these global ailments and
has been a major source of nuisance up until the mid twentieth century.
Since then advancements in medicine and drug therapy have made it possible
to bring forth a rapid decline in the prevalence of the disease. In
the developed countries, at least, TB is no longer an issue of concern.
It seemed, at last, man had vanquished one of his oldest enemies.
However, with the advent
of HIV\AIDS in the last two decades, the situation has almost completely
reversed. TB is once again regaining its prominence as one of the leading
causes of death in the third world. In the absence of HIV, only a handful
of people exposed to the disease causing pathogen (mycobacterium Tuberculosis)
develop the disease whilst with HIV the risk is highly aggravated. In
Ethiopia for instance, 44% of TB patients already harbor HIV infection.
AIDS not only predisposes to TB infection, but also alters its course
among those already infected. On the other hand, TB itself is a debilitating
chronic disease, capable of weakening the body and thereby, enhances
the rapid progression of latent HIV to full-blown AIDS. Apparently,
the two work in partnership, bringing about untold suffering upon their
victim that often culminates in death.
So far, a lot has been
said and done regarding the control of the spread of the HIV pandemic,
although the results have not been rewarding. It is indisputable that
the current surge in the Tuberculosis infection rates can be curbed
if HIV\AIDS were eradicated. However, controlling TB would significantly
reduce the mortality and morbidity due to AIDS as it is the primary
killer in this group of patients. Thus the integration of TB control
efforts into AIDS campaign strategies is of paramount importance as
these two infirmities are quite evidently interlinked.
As opposed to HIV,
the transmission of tuberculosis occurs mainly through the inhalation
of the pathogens coughed out by the patients. Accordingly, the disease
highly prevalent among urban populations forced to dwell in shanty,
overcrowded and unhygienic residences. Unfortunately AIDS too is rampant
in these places owing to the widespread alcohol, drug and sexual abuse.
Lack of awareness and poverty are other factors that bar victims from
seeking proper medical intervention, leaving them at the mercy of these
two evils.
Although the Anti-
tuberculosis drugs are now widely available, the whole treatment is
a cumbersome process lasting for months with complicated drug regimens.
In the presence of HIV, therapy is all the more complicated and costly,
often inaccessible to a vast number of patients residing the poor nations
of sub-Saharan Africa and south East Asia. In light of these facts,
preventive measures would undoubtedly seem more fruitful and relevant.
Raising awareness among the public should be top on the list. Governments
and other concerned bodies are expected to formulate national campaign
strategies that provide for the active participation of the youth as
they are the primary victims of the HIV\TB co-infection. Efforts must
also be made to provide cheaper medical services to the less fortunate.
Tuberculosis is a global problem and thus must be addressed internationally.
Non governmental organizations, both national and international have
a key role to play in coordinating anti-TB campaigns, organizing and
educating local communities and most of all, in providing cheaper medical
care to the poor. It is therefore a collaborated endeavor involving
governments, international donors and the society at large that can
ultimately eradicate tuberculosis from the face of our planet -once
and for all.
Nurilign Assefa
3rd year medical student
