Prevention Methods and Treatment for Tuberculosis Disease

Prevention of tuberculosis in 

adults

Tuberculosis acronymed as TB is an infectious disease caused by bacterial strain 

Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease majorly affects lung thereby causing pulmonary TB. It 

may influence other sites as well and in that case it is named as extra pulmonary TB. 

Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that spreads via air when the sick person expels out the 

microorganisms via coughing or even sneezing (Strategies for TB prevention, 2013). It is also a 

known fact that there is a presence of an increased probability of catching up TB if the individual 

is affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which is known to cause AIDS (Acquired 

Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). The onset of the disease is more common in the male 

population as compared to the female counterpart (Mandal, 2013). The reason behind this 

behavior is not understood and requires further research to identify the risk factors that make 

males more prone to TB. It is also found to affect adults that lie in the economically productive 

sections of society (How to Prevent Tuberculosis and its Spread, 2013). The age group is in the 

range of 15 to 59 years. 

Tuberculosis is considered as a major health problem that is affecting the whole world. 

According to statistical figures, an estimated 8.5 to 9.2 cases have been reported in the year 

2010. Among the given lot, the death accounted for 1.2 to 2.5 million (Kaye, 2011). This is a 

reflection that TB is now considered to be the second largest killer amongst all infectious disease 

after HIV. Moreover, the crucial link between HIV and TB makes the case more severe. Hence, 

there is an urgent need to undertake prevention measures to avoid spread of this deadly menace 

to healthy individuals of society (What Is Tuberculosis? What Causes Tuberculosis, 2009). Great 

strides have been undertaken by the government of various nations which has reduced the impact 

of disease to a great extent. However, the disease is far away from complete control. The given 

essay thus revolves around prevention of Tuberculosis in adult population who are more prone 

toward the disease. It also reflects on the presence of issues that are impacting with preventing 

TB (Wormser, 2004). 

This is a sample on 

Prevention of Tuberculosis in Adults 

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The prevention of TB is highly neglected due to presence in latent form as well as active 

form. The most vulnerable among the two is the latent stage. Here, the individuals do not feel 

sick and also are devoid of symptoms that is an essential condition to mark the physical presence 

of TB (Barrett and Stanberry, 2009). It is important to take care that individuals at this stage are 

infected by the bacterial strain of Tuberculosis but are yet to develop TB disease. The only sign 

that indicates the presence of TB is existence of a positive reaction for TB blood test also named 

as tuberculin skin test. It is also a known fact that latent TB individuals do not bear the potential 

to spread the disease to others (Gantz, 2004). It is only in a very few cases, where the latent stage 

of Tuberculosis may lead to development of disease that also bears the potential to kill victim. It 

is this absence of symptoms as well as subsequent lack of infection that makes individual for not 

adhering towards the treatment mechanism (O'Boyle and O'Boyle, 2012). Tuberculosis is 

majorly concentrated among the vulnerable population including migrants from countries which 

are endemic with TB, socially marginalized individuals, drug users, prisoners, HIV infectants, 

poor population and many more (Younger, 2010). A slight exposure to these individuals who are 

suffering from TB can make individual prone towards the development of disease due to its 

highly contagious nature. 

The prevention of TB takes place in two parts. In the first segment, the key is to stop the 

transmission of TB from diseased to healthy individual. This can take place by identification of 

patients that are suffering from the malaise (whether in latent or active form) and then curing the 

disease by proper treatment mechanism (Goodier, 2010). It is only by appropriate management 

of TB, there will be absence of rapid reach towards infection thereby causing a potential to avoid 

the spread of disease to others. The second segment towards TB prevention lies in preventing 

people with latent TB from developing active as well as infectious form of Tuberculosis disease 

(Marfin, 2012). This can be achieved by intake of medications for a fixed duration of time. 



In the fight against tuberculosis and with a view for curbing the disease, World Health 

Organization (WHO) recommends the usage of Bacilli Calmette- Guérin (BCG) vaccination. 

This is an urgent requirement in those countries who are heavily burdened by high incidences of 

TB. The vaccine is found to contain a weakened form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The given 

bacterial strain is made to enter in the body via vaccine in a controlled amount so as to help in 

the induction of antibodies in human being that helps in fighting of the bacteria. There is a 

presence of huge variation with respect to the efficacy of vaccine that ranges from 0% to 84%. 

The drastic difference is on account of frequency towards TB exposure as well as the quality of 

vaccine that has been made the part of treatment regime (Versteynen and Huisingh, 2012). There 

has been presence of many arguments against the BCG vaccine. It is found to induce positive 

reactions to tuberculin skin testing thereby registering an interference with diagnosis of latent 

TB. In past the BCG vaccine was given on patients with some success especially in the 

developing nations. There was a presence of great ignorance among the government of these 

countries with respect to serious consequences of the same (Ahmad, 2012). But still it has been 

considered as one of the major discoveries towards the prevention of disease. 





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Tuberculosis drug treatment is also a part of prevention which is formally known as 

chemoprophylaxis. It can help in reduction of the risk associated with TB in people that have 

been exposed to the infection or are affected by latent TB. It can play a significant role for 

reducing the recurrence of TB episode (Dye, Watt, Bleed and Williams, 2003). In this respect, 



WHO recommends the intake of drug for a period ranging from six weeks to nine years. 

Currently the TB chemotherapy is composed of first-line drugs that are inclusive of isoniazid, 

ethambutol, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. In the initial phase, treatment with the above 

mentioned drug is advisable with an underlying aim for eradicating or controlling the spread of 

bacterial strain by replication via a rapid motion (Brown, 2004). It also involves avoidance of 

emergence with respect to bacteria resistance which is regarded as the new issue in the world. 

There is also a presence of underlying issue with the intake of drug. The problem is that these 

drugs are usually administrated to latent TB sufferers who are devoid of the symptoms 

(Halberstein, 2011). Hence, the patients are usually found to leave the intake of these heavy 

medicines without the completion of course. Moreover, these drugs are also found to cause side 

effects ranging from joint and muscular pain, bodily rashes, tiredness and altered sensory 

perception among a few (Ferrari, 2004). 

The widespread impact of the disease as well as the availability of new technologies 

increased the requirement to prevent tuberculosis in adults by implementation of TB control 

policy. This is based on the detection of maximum number of patients followed by their cure. 

Curing the disease is a major step towards prevention of TB. In this respect, there has been a 

utilization of Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS). Under this prevention measure for 

adults, the strategy is particularly essential to make the patients adhere towards the drug intake 

which is a growing issue in the direction of effective treatment (Coleman, 2009). 

Here, the treatment to each patient is administrated by health professional directly. This 

happens on a daily/ alternate basis or according to requirement of drug intake. This strategy has 

been made sure to undertake effective prevention of TB from infected to healthy individuals. 

This helps in reaching the rural masses, evaluation of relapsed and new cases, treatment failure 

and severity of TB etc (Adorno, 2012). 

There is also a need to undertake prevention measures for transmission of Tuberculosis in 

households. This is very essential in those homes where an individual is affected by 

Tuberculosis. In that case, there is a need to keep houses properly ventilated. If coughing is 

observed in unaffected individuals then they must be educated for proper cough etiquette as well 

as respiratory hygiene (Strategies for TB prevention, 2013). This in inclusive of covering ones 

nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. This can take place via usage of tissue paper or 

sneezing in upper sleeve or elbow. Coughing in hands should be avoided completely. This 



should be followed by safe disposable of tissue paper once it has been utilized rather than using 

it again and again. If someone is tested as smear positive, then the need is to spend the maximum 

possible time in open environment. This should be followed by sleeping alone in a separate room 

which also has a provision for adequate ventilation (How to Prevent Tuberculosis and its Spread, 

2013). The infected cases must spend the minimum possible time on public transport so as to 

avoid the spread of bacterial strain. This should be followed by less attending of social 

gatherings where people accumulate in large numbers. 

Tuberculosis is becoming an ever increasing threat for health care facilities that are in 

maximum contact with the bacterial strains. In this respect, there is a need to prevent the disease 

by usage of basic techniques as well as new technology. In 2012, there has been a reported case 

in UK. According to the case, a patient became infected with TB and died on account of sitting 

close to a Tuberculosis infected patient while undergoing his kidney dialysis. In this regard, it is 

advisable that healthcare, hospitals, laboratories as well as treatment centers that are exposed to 

TB patients (Barrett and Stanberry, 2009). In this respect, there is a requirement for standard 

ventilation, purification of air and other filtration mechanism to curb the spread of tuberculosis. 

The nurses, health care staff, laboratory people and physicians must use a microfiltration mask 

while undergoing interaction sessions with patients. They must also take care of all aspects 

related to personal hygiene so as to protect themselves from catching the disease. Various 

environmental control measures can also be utilized by the health care providers. In the primary 

approach, there can be a usage of control source of infection by using local exhaust ventilation 

along with dilution and removal of contaminated air via use of general ventilation system 

(Versteynen and Huisingh, 2012). In the area of secondary control measures, there can be 

prevention of contamination of air via use of high efficiency particulate air also known as HEPA. 

Other than this, filtration by ultraviolet germicidal irradiation can also be utilized. 

According to view point’s given by Chandler, 2010, Tuberculosis can also be prevented 

by strengthening the overall health system that requires for active participation by formulation of 

policies, integration of health care workers, service delivery process as well as usage of 

information system technology. In this respect, the onset of Tuberculosis infection in healthy 

individuals is also required to be prevented. This can take place via encouraging the health care 

workers to refer individuals in where signs and symptoms of TB is seen for the purpose of 

specialist consultation. Special TB practitioners should be made available that are in liaison with 



general practitioners and others involved (Parija., 2009). Administration measures must also be 

undertaken by assigning the designated staff with the responsibility to conduct infection control. 

A risk assessment facility must also be formulated by writing a control plan. This should be 

followed by implementation of effective work practices for detection and management of clients 

who are seen with signs and symptoms that may further indicate development towards active TB 

stage. A respiratory protection program should also be established by providing training, testing 

and evaluation of usage related to respiratory equipments (Murray, 2004). 

A Tuberculosis screening protocol can also be implemented for clients that are presented 

with cough or other TB symptoms. The screening tool must be in a position to determine 

duration of cough, presence of blood in sputum, night sweats, weigh loss in an unexplained 

manner, history of TB as well as exposure to infection (Ormerod, 2000). In case of positive 

screening the related procedures must be undertaken with complete certainty. It must also be 

taken care that the positively screened patients are adhering with the treatment regimes with 

respect to intake of medicines for specified duration of time. For improving the adherence, there 

is an urgent need to counsel them for the process (Long, 2000). They must be made to 

understand about duration of medications, side effects etc. This will help in solving the potential 

issues that are linked with treatment of disease. Techniques are also required to be developed in 

the area of drug resistant strains of bacteria which are showing a widespread increase with 

passing time. Along with this there is a presence of urgent requirement to ensure proper as well 

as speedy diagnosis of TB with a view to prevent the acute spread of microorganisms. Hence 

proper research and development measures followed by market study are one of the most basic 

steps to help in complete prevention of the disease. 

Prevention of any ailment is possible only if there is a presence of enough awareness in 

people about the disease. To individuals residing in many countries like America, TB may seem 

to be an obscure disease i.e. the one which was one tested during employment or in schools. But, 

for some nations like Africa, Pakistan etc. the infection from tuberculosis is a real threat. In this 

regard, for preventing TB among the adult population requires educational measures (Knight, 

2011). This should be related to spread of disease via overcrowding, coughing etc. The 

awareness about the disease would play a rapid role to help individuals for undertaking 

precautions and rapid procedures related to treatment (Waller, 2002). The awareness should also 



e spread among high risk groups inclusive of migrants, prison population, factory workers, staff 

in hospitals, police force as well as armed forces. 

Along with this, most of the nations in the world are also observing world TB day which 

is an international day of awareness sponsored by Stop TB Partnership. This occasion helps in 

bringing the attention of world towards this deadly illness. World Health Organization has also 

developed a stop TB strategy as a part of global campaign to stop Tuberculosis. Along with this 

many countries ranging from United States, Mexico, and Uganda etc. have formulated a National 

Stop TB Partnership (Rook, Zumla and Dheda, 2005). They are working towards addressing the 

malaise of TB within the own nations. They are also finding better ways to control the disease 

and help in putting an end to this global problem. All the above mentioned programs should seek 

appropriate amount of funds for controlling the activities related to Tuberculosis. The agencies 

should be inclusive of federal, local, private and state level sources (Moverman, Daftary, Franks 

and Colson, 2008). They must work in collaboration with local firms like medical societies, lung 

associations and TB coalition members for educating the policy makers in the direction of 

preventing the TB followed by its subsequent eradication. 

There is also a need to design appropriate laws, regulations as well as policies to ensure 

consistency in the recommended medical and public health practices. Laws must be designed for 

ensuring a mandatory reporting of suspected individuals followed by complete protection with 

respect to identity of patient. Rapid laboratory examination of the specimen is also required. This 

should be followed by treating of individuals for free who are not in a condition to afford the 

treatment regime (Dye, Watt, Bleed and Williams, 2003). In some cases monetary incentives can 

also be given to individuals for making them adhere with the medications which are usually 

avoided on account of their long duration and associated side effects. A good link is also found 

between TB and HIV. Hence, the prevention requires for counseling and antibody testing of HIV 

patients. This is urgently needed in those geographic areas that suffer from high prevalence of 

HIV infection. 

Other than all the given measures it is best for concentrating on building of immunity. It 

is considered as a good means for prevention of tuberculosis as the bacterial strain is prone to 

weaken the immune system. Hence in this respect, it is advisable to staying fit and healthy, 

following a balanced diet full of nutrient intake; regular exercise regime can help in prevention 

of tuberculosis in healthy adult population. Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol intake is regarded 



as one of the most powerful factors for strengthening the immune system. This has been 

recognized as by far the best way for prevention of tuberculosis. Usage of herbal antibiotic such 

as garlic and other herbs are also advisable in this regard (Morrison, Pai and Hopewell, 2008). 





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From the above essay, it can be concluded that Tuberculosis is one of the most infectious 

disease that is acting as a big challenge for health practitioners in the whole world. Hence, there 

is an increased requirement to prevent this disease in a most efficient manner. In this respect, the 

prevention of tuberculosis is not possible unless the affected population receives proper 

treatment process (O'Boyle and O'Boyle, 2012). The priority in this respect is early detection as 

well as treatment of active cases. Sustained efforts are also required by health care professionals 

for treating the disease. The most urgent need is the commitment of people by educational and 

awareness programs to vulnerable and risky groups of population. It should also be inclusive of 

combined efforts from governmental bodies of all the nations to work in complete collaboration 

with each other. The aim is to bring an overall improvement in health infrastructure of the world. 



References 

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Prevention Methods and Treatment for Tuberculosis Disease

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