ISSN: 2639-2038
Authors: Sanyaolu A*, Schwartz J, Roberts K, Evora J, Dhother K, Scurto F, Lamech S, Rungteranoont T, Desai V, Dicks C, Dimarco C, Patel S
Tuberculosis (TB), an old disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis is still responsible for more deaths worldwide each year than any other infectious disease, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in spite of availability of effective treatment that has existed for over 50 years since the 1940s. The development of resistance to antibiotics is only one of the many challenges facing the fight to stem this deadly epidemic. Practical factors including a lack of community awareness, access to diagnostic tools, healthcare facilities, and patient supervision and follow-up are compounded by the disease’s wide geographic range. A failure of communication and coordination between local and international control units is equally problematic. As we continue to make great strides in medical technology and research, there is the need for a greater effort to mobilize resources and make lasting, focused investments of funding and professional training in areas of endemic TB in order to finally see an end to this bacteria’s lasting reign of devastation. This review article looks at the current global trends of the disease from a broader perspective.
Keywords: Tuberculosis (TB); Multiple-drug resistant (MDR-TB); Extensively-drug resistant (XDR-TB); Totallydrug resistant (TDR-TB); Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD)
