Why People Living With HIV, Diabetes And Hepatitis Have More Chances To Develop Active TB Disease

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs and other organs.

In 2022, TB was the world's second-leading cause of death from a single infectious agent after COVID-19.

TB can be spread through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit.

Factors that can create challenges or complications in the treatment:

Immune System Impact: Conditions like HIV or diabetes weaken the immune system, making the body less responsive to TB treatments and more susceptible to infections.

Defective Granuloma Formation: TB disrupts the formation of protective granulomas, leading to uncontrolled bacterial growth and infection spread.

Delayed Diagnosis: Patients with HIV, hepatitis, or diabetes face challenges in timely TB diagnosis, leading to increased transmission rates and more advanced TB with higher bacterial loads.

Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, avoiding smoking or alcohol, and managing stress can also impact treatment outcomes.

Consuming a diet rich in essential nutrients and maintaining healthy sleep are recommended for TB patients, especially those with chronic conditions.

Activities like meditation, yoga, and engaging in hobbies like painting, writing, or reading can help maintain positivity and prevent isolation-induced negativity

Inputs By: Dr Chaitali Nikam, Director, HaystackAnalytics