World Tuberculosis Day on March 24
On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, Professor Torsten Bauer, Member of the Board of the German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP) and Secretary General of the German Central Committee against Tuberculosis (DZK), points out the continuing importance of the fight against tuberculosis in Germany:
"Tuberculosis is by no means a disease of the past," emphasizes Torsten Bauer, Chief Physician at Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring in Berlin. "Without adequate treatment, it can have serious consequences and can even be fatal. In Germany, several thousand people still contract tuberculosis every year, which requires us to continue our control and prevention measures consistently." The World Health Organization (WHO) has set itself the goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2050.
Most recently 4,391 cases of tuberculosis in Germany - young children and immunocompromised people particularly affected
More than 1.2 million people worldwide die from tuberculosis every year. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported 4,481 cases of tuberculosis in Germany in 2023. According to preliminary RKI data, there will be 4,391 cases of tuberculosis in 2024 - a slight decrease in the number of cases can be observed. "Children under the age of five and people with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk. After infection, this group of patients can become seriously ill within a few weeks," explains Bauer. Infection from person to person usually occurs via the respiratory tract. Tuberculosis disease manifests itself through various symptoms, which often begin gradually and can last for weeks. These include a persistent cough - often with sputum, chest pain, shortness of breath and, in severe cases, bloody sputum.
Worrying increase in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases
The treatment of tuberculosis usually requires six months of antibiotic therapy. "In standard therapy, four antibiotics are initially taken for two months, followed by four months with two antibiotics. This long treatment period is a challenge for both patients and the healthcare system," explains Bauer.
The increase in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases in recent years is particularly worrying. "Since 2022, we have observed an increase in MDR-TB reports, which makes treatment more complex and protracted," warns the pulmonologist.
The DGP and DZK are calling for further progress in the fight against tuberculosis in Germany:
1. increased education and early detection, especially in risk groups
2. Consistent implementation of environmental testing to break chains of infection
3. Intensify research into new diagnostic and therapeutic options
4. Improve international cooperation, especially with countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis
"Only through joint efforts can we continue to push back tuberculosis in Germany and worldwide," explains Torsten Bauer. "World Tuberculosis Day reminds us that we must not let up in our fight against this disease."
Further information for patients, doctors and professionals at health authorities:
- Comprehensive information on tuberculosis treatment can be found on the new website of the German Central Committee for Tuberculosis Control: www.dzk-tuberkulose.de
- Download free eBook: The completely updated and revised new edition of the Tuberculosis Handbook for Healthcare Professionals
- Register today: Online participation in the "Tuberkulose Aktuell" symposium on March 24 from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Participation is free of charge, registration is required. Registration and program at: https://fzb-veranstaltungen.de/tba-2025
Picture: ©WHO
