Why TB support is still important in modern Australia
With a health system dominated by the pandemic, global tuberculosis deaths are on the rise for the first time in decades.
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Despite being a preventable and treatable disease, tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. Just like COVID, TB often affects people with underlying respiratory illnesses or autoimmune diseases.
Most TB cases in Victoria occur in people who acquired their infection outside Australia. Often their TB doesn’t become active until after they arrive here – sometimes years later.
It’s estimated that about 300,000 Victorians have Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI), most of whom were born overseas (around 86 per cent). As much as 17 per cent of people born overseas, now residing in Victoria, are living with LTBI. Early infection causes no symptoms as the body's immune system protects spread, and in many cases, it remains inactive.
When active, the disease is highly infectious and is known for its persistent and long duration. In addition to the physical illness, difficulties related to long illnesses, interrupted work and studies, financial pressure and caring for family members can significantly impact individuals and their families.
The pandemic has made us more aware than ever that our first line of defence against outbreaks is strong health care systems to prevent, detect and respond effectively to infectious diseases.
Early diagnosis and access to medical treatment is imperative to reduce the risk and adverse effects of TB spread. Consumers who experience treatment delays tend to have lower treatment completion rates and report adverse health outcomes. Local GPs can fast track screening and reduce wait times between diagnosis and treatment. The greater access and convenience of local GP support encourages consumers to seek a TB diagnosis and be more compliant with a treatment plan.
It’s really important to identify, engage, and manage new cases as they emerge and before it becomes clinically apparent. Our Tuberculosis Screening, Management and Prevention education and support program builds general practitioners’ ability to diagnosis, prevent, and treat LTBI.
Research suggests that factors contributing to a person’s vulnerability include their smoking status, diabetes, homelessness, excess alcohol consumption, and mental illness.
How can GPs make a difference?
As a trusted part of the community, general practitioners are often best placed to support vulnerable or marginalised members of their community and have a significant role in LTBI diagnosis and management.
Early diagnosis and access to medical treatment is imperative to reduce the risk and adverse effects of TB spread. Consumers who experience treatment delays tend to have lower treatment completion rates and report adverse health outcomes.
Local GPs can fast track screening and reduce wait times between diagnosis and treatment. The greater access and convenience of local GP support encourages consumers to seek a TB diagnosis and get support to complete the treatment.
"Over the last 3 years, both the public and medical community have been heavily focused on COVID-19 as a transmissible respiratory pathogen. The work that SEMPHN and the Victorian Tuberculosis Program have continued throughout this time, however, emphasises the long term importance of tuberculosis in communities across the region. The participating general practices have been enthusiastically engaged in providing high-quality and impactful care for their patients, and have developed a practical and accessible approach to TB education, screening and prevention. The Victorian Tuberculosis Program is regularly approached by other community-based settings keen to learn from this model, and we’re very pleased at the leadership and renown that SEMPHN has as a leader in this area of practice."
- Professor Justin Denholm, Medical Director, Victorian Tuberculosis Program
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