Tuberculosis or TB is a chronic or acute infection caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Affecting the lungs, kidneys, bones, lymph nodes, and the brain, this deadly bacterial infection is spread from one person to another through the air (Tuberculosis PPT, slide 3). Due to the easily transmissible nature of TB, the disease reached epidemic proportions during the 18th and 19th century (slide 35). In fact, various factors during this time period increased the susceptibility of TB, including immigration, malnutrition, crowding, and poverty (Artifact 7 handout). The high population density and the poor sanitary conditions characterized in most cities created the most fitting environment for its propagation (slide 35). In the 19th century, immigration soared in the United States. Immigrants took up residence in crowded tenements in the hub of Philadelphia, NYC, and Boston, aiding in the expansion of TB. In addition, immigrants worked under dire working conditions and resided in poorly constructed, badly ventilated and filthy tenements (slide 49).

Though malnutrition, poverty, social stigma are still prevalent factors in the susceptibility of TB, various contemporary problems, like the role of HIV, have been introduced (Artifact 7 handout). However, today, we face a bigger problem with TB becoming more resistant to drugs and treatment (slide 92). Treating TB is a time-oriented task. It is critical for those with TB to strictly adhere to a schedule of taking multiple drugs (slide 94). Currently, there are 10 drugs approved by the FDA (INH, RIF, EMB, and PZA) that active TB patients can take during the 6-9-month treatment process (slide 91). However, poor adherence to treatment will put you at risk of becoming resistant to those drugs. Inconsistency may result in delayed resolution or worsening of symptoms, transmissibility of resistant strains, increase in treatment costs, and an overall increase in the probability of death (slide 94).

There has been substantial progress in the number of patients diagnosed and treated, however, TB still remains a global public health emergency. It is responsible for more deaths than any other infectious disease (Reid, 2019, pg. 1). There has been slow progress of TB since 1993 as a result of various political, societal, scientific, and strategic shortcomings (pg. 6). To name several, there have been insufficient investments and political will due to the decline of TB in high income countries, failure to target resources at hot sports and high-risk populations and so much more (pg. 6-7). The adverse effects of TB extend well beyond one individual. Thus, it is crucial to implement quality improvement, assessing effective strategies, prioritize high risk active groups, etc. (pg. 15-17).

Help Received: Tuberculosis PPT, Supplementary readings – Building a TB free world Lancet Commission, Artifact 7 handout, Cadet Jones (structure and organization of information), Dictionary/Thesaurus