Tuberculosis Causes and Solutions

As HIV and drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis contribute to the growing epidemic of tuberculosis, we must seek to understand why this is so. In the case of HIV-positive patients (particularly in India), the risk for contracting the disease becomes augmented. Glynn reports that the presence of HIV in the bloodstream increases tuberculosis risk by a factor of seven while varying slightly according to age group and certain biological factors. Although the transmission of the disease between individuals may be statistically diminished among this study group, the contraction risk is severely boosted by a weakened immune system (Glynn, 1998, p. 579). Drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis result from what Telenti and Iseman describe as an "erratic and inappropriate use of currently available medications" (2000, p. 171). In order to combat the disease, researchers must develop a more thorough understanding of the biological factors influencing it.

Many other factors have traditionally contributed to the current rise in tuberculosis. These influences include "immigration, poverty and living conditions, and the collapse of treatment systems." Fundamentally at the cause of tuberculosis lie situations that lead to malnutrition and over-crowding (Glynn, 1998, p. 581). Wherever natural disaster, war, or plague happen, tuberculosis tends to occur in the population.

In the teaching plan of a patient with tuberculosis, the healthcare worker must provide a context by which to understand the disease. Depending on their location in the world, its cause may vary greatly between the factors highlighted above. The direct implementation of the WHO DOTS strategy, a systemic application of directly observed therapy with short-course strategy, can lead to effective solutions (Glynn, 1998, p. 589). These items are important because helping the patient understand the cause of their sickness will help clarify proper tactics for its treatment.

References

Glynn, J. R. (1998). Resurgence of tuberculosis and the impact of HIV infection. British Medical Bulletin, 54(3), 579-593.

Telenti, A., & Iseman, M. (2000). Drug-resistant tuberculosis. Drugs, 59(2), 171-179.