Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the few infectious diseases fuelled by the HIV epidemic, according to this year’s World TB Day campaign. Observed on March 24 each year, the 2009 campaign, under the slogan I am stopping TB, aims to increase awareness of tuberculosis and its prevention in the community.
According to Mr Tadgh McMahon, the Manager of the Multicultural HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Service (MHAHS), increasing awareness of tuberculosis (TB) has an important role in combating HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, as globally the two infections are closely related.
”Tuberculosis can be one of the first infections to show symptoms in those who don’t know that they have HIV, providing a warning sign that offers opportunities for treatment. In addition, people living with HIV who have been exposed to TB in the past are at much higher risk of developing active TB in the future,” Mr McMahon said.
TB is caused by a bacterium. It is a disease that usually affects the lungs but it can affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. TB can be active in the body or latent (sleeping). If it is not treated, active TB can cause serious health problems, or even death.
There are currently more than 11 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide who are also living with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the TB bacterium). When these two infections are not treated, they can work together to cause very serious illnesses. Most TB cases among people living with HIV/AIDS are in sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 80 percent of TB patients may be also living with HIV.
Australia has one of the lowest TB rates in the world largely due to its effective pre-migration screening and the other health initiatives. However, despite that, people who were born in countries of high TB burden may be at increased risk, with approximately 80% of people diagnosed with TB born overseas.
“This is because people born overseas are often unaware of their TB infection or do not know where to seek TB services in Australia,” according to Ms Effie Katsaros, clinical supervisor at the MHAHS.
“It is important that we share information about TB to help prevent the disease and get treatment to those who need it. It is critical that people know that chest clinics provide free and confidential TB testing and treatment. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of TB are the keys to preventing the transmission of TB in the community,” Ms Katsaros said.
TB bacteria are spread from person to person through the air – usually when a person with active TB coughs, laughs, sneezes or sings. Anyone nearby can breathe in these TB bacteria and get TB. TB is not spread by sharing household utensils, cups or plates, or by saliva when kissing someone.
There are currently two billion people are living with TB worldwide. Eight to ten million people contract TB every year and two million die from it.
People with active TB often feel weak or sick, lose weight rapidly, have a cough (sometimes with blood) and chest pain, have a fever, and have night sweats. Sometimes they have no symptoms. Active TB can be treated and cured in Australia. Active TB is usually treated with a combination of antibiotics for at least 6 months.
Information on TB and chest clinics in NSW is available at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/tb/factsheet_english.pdf.
Information on HIV and sexual health clinics in NSW is available at: www.multiculturalhivhepc.net.au
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