Most cited research published in 2022 on Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, and joints. The infection is spread through respiratory droplets and can cause a variety of symptoms, including a persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, and fever. In severe cases, TB can lead to lung damage and death.

Research has shown that TB is a significant public health problem worldwide, with an estimated 10 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths in 2019. TB is particularly prevalent in developing countries, where it is a leading cause of death from infectious diseases.

The main treatment for TB is a combination of antibiotics, which must be taken for a period of at least six months. Studies have shown that this treatment can be highly effective, but it can also have significant side effects and can be difficult to adhere to. In addition, research has shown that TB can develop resistance to antibiotics, leading to the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB).

Research has also focused on the development of new TB drugs and TB vaccines. There's a Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine that is widely used in many countries, but it's not very effective in preventing adult pulmonary TB. Studies have been ongoing to develop new TB vaccines that can provide better protection.

Prevention of TB mainly focused on early diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals and improving living conditions, such as providing adequate housing, nutrition, and access to healthcare.

Research also includes understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of M. tuberculosis, investigating the epidemiology and risk factors for TB, and developing diagnostic tests that are more accurate and less invasive than traditional methods.