Tuberculosis Cases Are Rising in Malaysia. An Expert Shares What You Should Know & Do About This

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT
DR ROSMADI ISMAIL
Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist and Internal Medicine Specialist
Sunway Medical Centre

Quite recently, our Minister of Health Dr Zaliha Mustafa revealed at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting that there was a concerning increase of 17% in tuberculosis cases in 2022 compared to 2021, along with a 12% increase in tuberculosis-related deaths during that time period.

In light of this development, Dr Rosmadi Ismail shares his thoughts with us about tuberculosis, its detection, treatment, and prevention.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infecting the lungs as well as certain other parts of the body.

An overview of the symptoms and preventive measures of tuberculosis. Click on the image for a larger, clearer view.

IS DETECTION OF TUBERCULOSIS GETTING BETTER?

Dr Rosmadi reveals that there are several innovative techniques currently undergoing clinical trials in a few countries.

These techniques, which include biosensing technologies and nano-diagnostics, promise quicker and more accurate results.

He shares: “Ongoing research focuses on innovative methods like computer-aided detection (CAD) through artificial intelligence, aerosol capture technologies, and antigen-based skin tests. They are poised to revolutionise TB diagnosis, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the future.”

In Malaysia, there are diverse methods employed to ensure accurate and timely detection of tuberculosis, such as:

Sputum smear microscopy, typically the first test for tuberculosis.
Culture and sensitivity testing to diagnose tuberculosis.
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) to facilitate the identification of tuberculosis cases.
Chest radiography and clinical tests like the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) to confirming the infection.

TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS

Treatment of tuberculosis in Malaysia follows the World Health Organization guidelines, which is the global standard.

Dr Rosmadi tells us, “The standard treatment for drug-susceptible tuberculosis in Malaysia involves a combination of four drugs administered for a duration of 6 to 8 months.”

Treatment utilizes the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) strategy, which sees the patients receiving close supervision from healthcare workers to ensure that they complete their medication intake.

Currently, there are no new medications or treatments that show superior results over current ones when it comes to treating tuberculosis. Dr Rosmadi notes that treatment for drug-resistant TB involves a distinct medication regimen and extended treatment duration.

“This tailored approach has proven effective even in cases of drug-resistant TB, reinforcing our commitment to comprehensive patient care,” he says.

DR ROSMADI’S TUBERCULOSIS TIPS

Stay clear of crowded places. It’s best to avoid crowds, especially if they’re poorly ventilated.
If you’re experiencing a persistent cough, fever, or unexpected weight loss, seek medical help promptly. This will help you get better and stop the disease from spreading.
Get checked if you’re at risk. If you have a weak immune system or have been around people with tuberculosis, consider getting tested. It’s a simple step that can catch the disease early if exposed.
If you’re diagnosed with tuberculosis, completing your treatment is essential. P
Preventive measures such as wearing a mask, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of tissues properly can help protect yourself and those around you.
If your job puts you in contact with many people, wear the proper protective gear as an added layer of safety.
Think about getting vaccinated. The current vaccine, Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG), offers partial protection to infants and young children against severe forms of tuberculosis. It doesn’t protect adolescents and adults that are the primary carriers of the tuberculosis bacteria, but it could help in the long run.