Prevention of tuberculosis (tb)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. TB can affect any part of the body, but the lungs are the most common site of infection.
Prevention is crucial to reducing the spread of TB and minimizing its impact on public health. Two key strategies for TB prevention are vaccination and screening.
Vaccination: The most commonly used TB vaccine is the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which is recommended for high-risk groups, including infants, children, and healthcare workers. The BCG vaccine is effective in reducing the risk of severe TB disease in those who have been exposed to the bacterium.
Screening: Early detection of TB is crucial for timely treatment and prevention of transmission. Healthcare providers may recommend routine screening for high-risk populations, including those with a history of TB exposure, close contact with infected individuals, or from regions with high TB prevalence. Screening tests typically include chest X-rays, TB skin tests, and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs).
Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on TB prevention strategies and to stay updated on recommended vaccinations and screenings.