Jangan Tunggu Parah: Putus Rantai Penularan TBC Sebelum Terlambat

MALARIA PERDHAKI–JAKARTA. An estimated 13 to 14 people die from tuberculosis (TB) every hour in Indonesia. This estimate is based on the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, which states that in 2024 Indonesia recorded approximately 1.1 million new TB cases, resulting in around 118,000 deaths. These figures place Indonesia second in the world for the highest number of TB cases, after India, and account for approximately 10% of the global TB burden.

The high number of cases is driven by the widespread transmission of tuberculosis across Indonesia. Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health also indicate that each untreated TB patient has the potential to transmit the bacteria to 10 to 15 people every year. This occurs because patients do not receive treatment promptly. However, once a patient has taken anti-TB medication for two weeks, the bacteria generally lose their ability to spread to others.

TB transmission primarily affects people with weakened immune systems or those who have had close contact with a person with active TB. Therefore, early detection and immediate treatment following a positive TB diagnosis are essential to break the chain of transmission.

In addition to spreading the disease, the tuberculosis bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, also damages the lungs by forming cavities within the lung tissue. If left untreated, it can cause permanent scarring of the lungs, leading to a significant decline in respiratory function. Even after a patient is declared cured, the physical damage to the lungs may result in long-term health complications.

Furthermore, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can spread through the bloodstream and infect organs beyond the lungs, including the lymph nodes in the neck, bones, joints, intestines, kidneys, and even the membranes surrounding the brain. This condition is known as extrapulmonary tuberculosis (extrapulmonary TB). The spread of the bacteria beyond the lungs indicates a weakened immune system and is associated with a higher risk of serious complications, including death.

However, just like pulmonary TB, extrapulmonary TB is also curable, although it requires more intensive treatment than pulmonary TB. The first difference lies in the duration of treatment. While pulmonary TB can generally be cured within six months, extrapulmonary TB typically requires nine to twelve months of treatment, or even longer. In addition, patients with extrapulmonary TB usually need to take a greater number of anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) pills than those with pulmonary TB.

Considering how dangerous tuberculosis can be—not only for patients but also for those around them—the public is strongly encouraged not to delay seeking medical attention if they experience TB symptoms. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to preserve organ function while breaking the chain of transmission. Let us all increase our awareness of tuberculosis and seek medical examination as early as possible.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash.