Tuberculosis In Sub-Saharan Africa

Tuberculosis is a complex disease, that is treatable and preventable, yet it is the second leading cause of death due to a single infectious agent after HIV/AIDS (WHO, 2013). Although, TB as it is commonly called, has been a major killer throughout human history, its incidence has declined in the United States over most of the 20th century (Adams & Koch, 2010). There was a brief period of increase with the incidence of HIV/AIDS (between 1985 and 1992), but since then, there has been a steady decline in tuberculosis due to a number of control measures. In developing countries, most especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a high incidence and prevalence of the disease and major prevention and control measures have been instituted to combat …show more content…
Re-evaluation is sometimes carried out, to eliminate false-negative results (Ignativicius & Workman, 2010; p.669).
Chest X-rays are also another method of diagnosis to ascertain a suspected tuberculosis infection. The tubercle lesions formed by the mycobacteria on initial infection are specifically examined and although not a conclusive diagnostic technique, it further confirms other diagnostic methods (Battle, 2009; p.313). Other respiratory diseases have similar images as those presented by tuberculosis; hence the reason for not taking chest x-rays alone as conclusive diagnosis for tuberculosis (Battle, 2009; p.313).
Prevention and …show more content…
Since tuberculosis is an airborne infection, transmission of infection is highest in areas of overcrowding and poor ventilation. Thus an improvement in the living conditions will have a ripple effect and reduce transmission of infection among people. Early detection and treatment is a major method of control and prevention of tuberculosis (Battle, 2009). This is the main focus of tuberculosis programs- primary and secondary prevention strategies (Walley & Wright, 2010; p.267). This early commencement of treatment, curtails the possible spread of the organism and multiple