Tuberculosis

Key National Indicators

• TB incidence reduced by 21%, from 237 per lakh population (2015) to 187 per lakh population (2024)
• The decline is almost double the global average reduction (12%)
• TB mortality reduced by 18%, from 28 per lakh (2015) to 23 per lakh population
• India achieved >80% treatment coverage, one of the highest among the 30 high TB burden countries

Symptoms

• A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
• Pain in the chest
• Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm) from deep inside the lungs
• Weakness or fatigue
• Weight loss
• No appetite
• Chills
• Persistent low grade fever
• Sweating at night.

Transmission

TB spreads from person to person through the air.

• When a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, speaks, sneezes, or sings, TB bacteria are released into the air
• Others may become infected by inhaling these airborne bacteria
• Untreated TB patients can infect 10-15 people in a year through close and prolonged contact.

Testing

Tests for TB Infection

• TB blood test (IGRA)
• TB skin test (Mantoux test; Cy-TB)

A positive test indicates TB infection but does not confirm disease.

Tests for Active TB Disease

• Chest X-ray
• Sputum examination (microscopy / molecular tests)
• Positive disease tests → Active TB
• Negative disease tests → Likely latent TB or no TB

Treatment

TB is largely curable when diagnosed early and treated correctly.

• Standard treatment includes a combination of 4 anti-tuberculosis medicines
• Treatment duration: 6 months (or 4 months in selected cases)
• Strict adherence to treatment is essential

Prevention

TB can be prevented at both individual and population levels.

Key Prevention Measures

• TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) for people at high risk
• Early screening and diagnosis
• Addressing risk factors:
  • Undernutrition
  • HIV
  • Diabetes
  • Tobacco and alcohol use
  • Poverty and overcrowding

Vaccination

• BCG vaccine provides protection against severe TB forms in children

Why Early Action Matters

• TB is curable and preventable
• Delayed diagnosis increases transmission and complications
• Early testing protects families, communities, and workplaces