TB under the spotlight as cases in the UK rise
A new blood test that could identify millions of people who unknowingly spread tuberculosis could be developed soon, scientists have said.
Researchers at the University of Southampton discovered a group of biological markers that are high among infectious patients – and the test could be a significant step in reducing the spread of the disease.
More than a million people a year die from tuberculosis (TB), making it the world’s deadliest infectious disease, according to the World Health Organisation.
In the UK figures remain low however, cases increased to around 5,000 in 2023, according to the UK Health Security
Agency, and are expected to continue to rise this year.
So, how do you catch TB, and what else do you need to know about it?
WHAT IS TB?
Emma Rubach, of the charity Asthma + Lung UK, says it is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs.
“Anyone can get tuberculosis, however, the people most at risk are those who have lived outside of the UK where TB rates are high. Countries where tuberculosis is more common include Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
“There are two types of tuberculosis. Latent tuberculosis, which is when you have TB bacteria in your body, but because the body’s immune system controls the bacteria and stops it from growing, you don’t experience any symptoms and can’t pass the infection on to others. Then there is active tuberculosis, when the body’s immune system can’t control the TB bacteria and you develop an infection.”
HOW DO YOU CATCH IT?
“Most TB infections are airborne. You can contract it from bacteria coughed up by another person with the infection,” says Dr Colin Michie, associate dean at the University of Central Lancashire.
“There is a less common type of TB, Mycobacterium bovis, which is found in unpasteurised milk. Consuming this can put you at risk of contracting the infection, particularly if the cattle involved are not carefully screened.”
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND IS IT SERIOUS?
TB is a serious infection, which can be fatal if not treated properly. “The poet Keats, composer Chopin, and authors Bronte and Orwell are just some of the people throughout history who have died from tuberculosis,” says Dr Michie.
Emma adds some people may be more at risk, such as those with weak immune systems, malnourishment, diabetes, people who regularly smoke, drink or take drugs, and children under five.
“Symptoms include a cough that lasts more than three weeks, chest pain, weight loss, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, a high temperature, swollen glands, headaches and body aches and pain,” she adds.
Asthma + Lung UK also advises people to call 999 or go to A&E if they have a stiff neck and severe headache, it hurts to look at bright lights, you’ve had a fit (seizure), you’ve become confused and if you can’t move parts of your body.
HOW DO YOU TREAT IT?
Emma says both types of TB need to be treated with antibiotics, normally for about six months, or 12 months if it is affecting the brain or spinal cord.