Which among the following is an example of communicable disease?

The correct answer is Tuberculosis.

Key Points

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• It primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
• TB is transmitted from person to person through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• Common symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, chest pain, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
• Tuberculosis is preventable and treatable with proper diagnosis and a course of antibiotics, such as isoniazid and rifampin.

Additional Information

• Communicable Diseases:
  • These are diseases caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
  • They can spread from person to person through various modes, including direct contact, airborne transmission, or contaminated surfaces.
  • Examples include malaria, influenza, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):
  • Unlike communicable diseases, NCDs are not infectious and cannot be spread from person to person.
  • Examples include diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis.
  • NCDs are often caused by genetic, environmental, or lifestyle factors.
• Global TB Control Efforts:
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) runs the End TB Strategy to eliminate tuberculosis as a global public health problem by 2030.
  • India has implemented the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), aiming to eliminate TB by 2025 through early detection, treatment, and awareness campaigns.
• Vaccination for TB:
  • The BCG vaccine is commonly administered to prevent severe forms of tuberculosis in children.
  • While the vaccine provides some protection, it does not completely prevent TB infection in adults.