Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases

Tuberculosis (TB) and other mycobacterial diseases represent a significant burden on global health, particularly in resource-limited regions. TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an estimated 10 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths annually. Additionally, other mycobacterial infections, such as leprosy (Hansen's disease) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, pose challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Despite advancements in TB control efforts, challenges such as drug resistance, co-infection with HIV, and limited access to healthcare services continue to hinder effective management of these diseases. Multidisciplinary approaches integrating molecular diagnostics, novel therapeutics, and public health interventions are essential for combating TB and other mycobacterial diseases and achieving global targets for disease elimination.