This is now the world’s deadliest infectious disease, according to WHO

Tuberculosis (TB) once again tops the list of the most deadly infectious diseases worldwide, according to a recent announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2023, TB was responsible for 1.25 million global deaths, including 161,000 people with HIV. This marks a return to TB’s position as the leading infectious killer after COVID-19 had overtaken it for the past three years.

TB is a preventable and curable disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs. It is transmitted through the air, typically through coughing, sneezing, or saliva. While about 25% of people have likely been infected with the bacteria, only 5% to 10% will develop symptoms and progress to the disease. It is important to note that only individuals with symptoms can spread the disease.

Dr. Masae Kawamura, a former TB control director, explains that TB is a “social disease of crowding and mobility,” meaning that congregate settings like hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, jails, classrooms, and homeless shelters are at higher risk for TB transmission. Individuals with diabetes, weakened immunity, malnutrition, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption are also at higher risk.

Symptoms of TB include coughing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, weakness, fever, and night sweats. In severe cases, patients may cough up blood. TB can affect various organs in the body, but it primarily impacts the lungs, making it easily transmissible through coughing.

TB can be diagnosed using rapid diagnostic tests and is treated with antibiotics taken daily for four to six months. It is crucial to complete the full course of medications to prevent drug resistance. If TB becomes drug-resistant, different medications are required for treatment.

Untreated TB can be fatal in about half of cases, with 25% of individuals recovering on their own and another 25% developing chronic active TB. Prevention strategies include the childhood BCG vaccine, which is effective in reducing death, meningitis, and organ dissemination in children under 5. However, the vaccine is ineffective in adults.

To combat the TB epidemic, aggressive testing, contact tracing, and education are essential. Identifying and treating latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is crucial in preventing the progression of the disease. By targeting those at risk and implementing effective prevention strategies, we can work towards ending the TB epidemic and saving lives.