Overview of Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors
George Davidson *
University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
Darlington U. Davidson
Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.
Osinachi K. Okoye
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nigeria.
Linda S. Mensah
V.N Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine.
Emeka C. Ukaegbu
Louisiana state university Shreveport, United States.
Divine B. Arrey Agbor
Richmond University Medical Center, New York, USA.
Michael O. Adegbola
Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.
Ucheawaji S. Eneyo
University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
Baraladou A. Osuluku
University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
Tamarakomboye O. Dinyain
University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
Arinze A. Okeke
Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-ekiti, Nigeria.
Minichimso John Okah
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria.
Alexandra I. Owulu
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria.
Jesse C. Peterson
Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Nigeria.
Samuel O. Onyekweli
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria.
Gloria O. Omoruyi
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria.
Olalekan S. Adebiyi
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria.
Funmilayo A. Atoyebi
American International University West Africa, Serekunda, Gambia.
Arinze C. Omeje
National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria.
Onyedikachukwu J. Ogbueli
University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria.
Ogechukwu B. Odobulu
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Chiagoziem J. Uche
University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health threat, exacerbated by factors such as drug resistance, co-infections, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive review examines various aspects of TB, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control measures. The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB and primarily affects the lungs, although it can also affect other organs. Risk factors for TB include poverty, malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and immunocompromised states such as HIV/AIDS. Symptoms of TB include cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats, but can vary depending on the site of infection. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and microbiological testing, with rapid molecular tests such as the Xpert MTB/RIF assay revolutionizing TB diagnostics. Treatment consists of multidrug therapy for six to nine months, with drug-resistant TB requiring longer and more complex regimens. Prevention and control efforts focus on early case detection, treatment adherence, infection control measures, and Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine vaccination. TB research and innovation aim to develop new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines to improve TB control and treatment outcomes. Challenges to TB control include stigma, healthcare access barriers, and the rise of drug-resistant TB strains. Collaboration and advocacy efforts are essential for addressing TB in special populations, high-risk settings, and co-infection scenarios. Integrating a One Health approach, harnessing technology, and addressing climate change impacts is critical for advancing TB control efforts and achieving the goal of ending the global TB epidemic.
Keywords: Tuberculosis, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention