Health Tips: Tuberculosis in Guyana: Why this old disease still needs urgent attention

…Breaking the myths, recognising symptoms, and stopping the spread

By Dr Tariq Jagnarine

Why tuberculosis still matters
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest diseases known to humans, yet it remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Despite advances in medicine, TB continues to affect millions of people each year, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (World Health Organisation, 2023).
In Guyana, TB remains a significant public health concern, especially among vulnerable populations. The challenge is not only the disease itself but also late diagnosis, stigma, and gaps in awareness.

What is tuberculosis?
TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which usually affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
Many people believe TB is a disease of the past. It is still very present and continues to spread in communities where early detection and treatment are delayed.

How TB spreads in communities
TB spreads most easily in crowded or poorly-ventilated environments such as homes, workplaces, and public transport. Close and prolonged contact with someone who has untreated TB increases the risk of infection. Not everyone who is exposed becomes sick immediately. Some people develop latent TB, in which the bacteria remain in the body without causing symptoms. However, latent TB can later become active, especially if the immune system becomes weak.

Who is most at risk
Certain groups are more vulnerable to TB. People living with HIV are at much higher risk because their immune systems are weakened (WHO, 2023). Individuals with diabetes, malnutrition, or chronic illnesses are also more susceptible.
Social factors such as poverty, overcrowding, and limited access to health care further increase risk. TB is, therefore, not just a medical issue; it is also a social and economic one.

Recognising the warning signs
TB often develops slowly, and symptoms may be mild at first. Common signs include:
*Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
* Chest pain
* Coughing up blood
* Weight loss
* Fever
* Night sweats
* Fatigue
Because these symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses, many people delay seeking care. This delay allows the disease to worsen and increases the risk of spreading TB to others.

Diagnosis and treatment
The good news is that TB is curable. Diagnosis is done through sputum testing, chest imaging, and laboratory analysis. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics taken over several months.
Completing the full course of treatment is essential. Stopping treatment early can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is much harder and more expensive to treat.
The link between TB and drug resistance
Just like with other antibiotics, improper use of TB medication can lead to resistance. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) develops when bacteria no longer respond to the most effective TB drugs.
MDR-TB requires longer treatment, more complex medication, and has lower success rates. Preventing resistance depends on proper diagnosis, adherence to treatment, and strong health systems.

Breaking stigma and fear
One of the biggest barriers to TB control is stigma. Many people fear being judged or isolated if diagnosed. This leads to delays in testing and treatment.
TB is a medical condition, not a personal failure. Encouraging open conversations and supportive communities helps people seek care earlier and complete treatment successfully.

Prevention and community action
Preventing TB requires both individual and community action. Early testing, proper treatment, and infection control measures, such as covering coughs and ensuring good ventilation, reduce the spread.
For people living with HIV, regular screening and preventive therapy significantly reduce TB risk.
Public health programmes, community outreach, and education campaigns are essential to improving awareness and reducing transmission.

Why this matters now
World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24 to raise awareness about TB and efforts to eliminate it globally.
This is a reminder that TB is not a disease of the past; it is a current and ongoing challenge that requires attention, action, and commitment.
Tuberculosis is preventable, treatable, and curable, but only if it is detected early and treated properly. Do not ignore a persistent cough. Do not delay testing. Do not stop treatment early.
Ending TB starts with awareness, action, and community support.