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TB 101
“Basic Facts on 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
Characteristics:
• slow growing
• can survive inside
cells of the human
body
Other Names:
Mycobacterium
tuberculosis
TB germ
• 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
A person is infected after
inhaling droplets from a
symptoms (TB Disease)
person with TB
3.
If undiagnosed, lungs cells are
eaten up leading that may lead
death.
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 longterm 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 antiTB 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
Facts
TB 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