Featuring Dr. Cesar Ugarte-Gil, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at UTMB's School of Public and Population Health (SPPH)
March 24 is World TB Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB)—a disease that remains a major global public health issue. Our "Ask the Expert" series highlights insights from Dr. Cesar Ugarte-Gil, MD, MSc, PhD, an expert in respiratory infections at UTMB SPPH.
1. What are the top things everyone should know about TB in 2025?
- Significant recent advances have improved TB diagnosis and treatment. Molecular tests now detect TB and drug resistance in just hours, and new medications have significantly shortened treatment duration.
- Despite these advances, there is still no fully effective vaccine for TB. The current vaccine, BCG, only protects newborns against severe forms of TB, not the general population.
- Antibiotic-resistant TB strains are increasing worldwide, posing a serious threat to effective treatment.
2. What are the biggest misconceptions about TB you'd like to correct?
- Myth: People with TB always have symptoms. Fact: Subclinical TB exists, meaning individuals without typical symptoms can still transmit the disease.
- TB affects only the lungs: TB can infect other body parts like the brain, joints, spine, and skin, particularly in immunocompromised people.
- TB is not just a developing-world issue: Recent outbreaks in Kansas and North Carolina, along with rising rates in the UK and US, underscore that TB is a global health issue.
3. Why is TB still a major public health issue—even though many consider it "solved" or outdated?
TB remains prevalent because it's fundamentally a social disease. It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV, prisoners, those with diabetes or depression, migrants, people experiencing poverty, and substance users. These groups often face barriers accessing healthcare due to stigma, which remains a significant challenge in TB control.
4. Quick facts everyone should know about TB
- Globally, TB caused approximately 1.09 million deaths among HIV-negative individuals in 2023.
- About 134 people per 100,000 developed TB in 2023 globally, with 6.1% of cases involving people living with HIV.
- The highest disease burdens are in South-East Asia (45%) and Africa (24%).
- Top risk factors for TB (2022):
- Malnutrition: 1.9 million cases
- Alcohol use disorders: 730,000 cases
- HIV infection: 610,000 cases
- Smoking: 700,000 cases
- Diabetes: 370,000 cases
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Source: WHO Global TB Report
Additional Resources for Further Exploration
- Films about TB: The Forgotten Plague, WHO TB Film Initiative
- Recommended Reading: Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
Interested in joining future "Ask the Expert" features or sharing your public health expertise? Contact us at spphmarketing@utmb.edu.