Challenges and solutions to the worldwide tuberculosis epidemic

Abstract

Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease responsible for a current worldwide epidemic which results in 1.5 million deaths per year. citizens of developing countries, especially in Africa and Asia, are at a higher risk of infection and death. in some developing countries, as much as 80% of the population tests positive for latent tuberculosis infection, in comparison to approxi- mately 5% for developed countries such as the United states. studies of the current vaccine bacillus calmette-guerin show that elicits a decreased immune response in patients from some areas of the world. in treating tuberculosis, the world health organization has developed doTs, directly observed Treatment, short course, a program which has evolved from a simple treat- ment regiment to a complete guideline on political involvement, logistics and medical operations and has been met with astounding success rates. new diagnostic techniques and vaccines cur- rently in research bring promise to combatting and ending the tuberculosis epidemic.