Textbook of tuberculosis & non-tuberculous mycobacterial diseases

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major burdens of diseases across the world and has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality over the years. Non-tubercular mycobacterial infections have also seen a surge in the number of cases continually.

The present book edited by two eminent pulmonologists with a multitude of experience in this field has compiled all the available information regarding TB in a single platform. This book consists of 59 chapters covering every aspect of TB as a disease and is a feast for readers.

The first two chapters deal with the history and epidemiology of TB. The author succinctly describes the natural history and burden of TB. The next few chapters focus on the pathological, microbiological and genetic aspects of this disease. The knowledge of TB is incomplete without its radiological aspect and aptly so this book has a dedicated chapter on radiological manifestations of TB. The next three chapters raise the most important points related to the pathogenesis of pulmonary TB and its variants.

TB can affect most of the systems of the body, be it cardiovascular, gastrointestinal or skeletal, etc. The various forms of extrapulmonary TB have been discussed in detail over the next few chapters. TB in special situations like pregnancy, chronic kidney disease and HIV are important reads for any clinician, and these three situations are well discussed in separate chapters. Miliary TB is a disseminated form of TB and is discussed in detail. An interesting chapter, TB at uncommon body sites, is bound to grab every clinician’s attention and is well written.

Every chronic disease is bound to have some complications and TB is not an exception. Hence, over the next few chapters, the authors have discussed the complications of TB and its role in the causation of acute respiratory distress syndrome and its haematological and endocrinal implications.

Childhood TB is an under discussed topic and is often difficult to diagnose. The next two chapters incline towards the medical and surgical aspects of childhood TB. Similarly, TB in the elderly is also discussed. TB in healthcare workers is also an underrated and overlooked topic, however, this book has a dedicated chapter on this topic. The chapter on succession, ‘Nutrition and TB’, gives a strong message about the vicious cycle of TB and undernutrition.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections and their treatment protocols have seen a modest modification over the years, and this edition provides an inside peek into the updated management protocol of the same. The next two chapters discuss various issues concerning drug-resistant TB and its surveillance, which is now the talk of the town with its alarming figures.

Treatment of TB is an evolving arena with new drugs and changing protocols. This book provides descriptive yet intelligible information regarding the same and has been successful in its attempt to create a clear algorithm of TB treatment – both medical and surgical – and various toxicities that occur with initiation of antitubercular treatment.

India is a high TB-burden country, and it has devised a national strategy to fight against it – Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS). One of the main strategies of DOTS has been TB control and over the next few chapters, the authors have highlighted the role of DOTS in global TB control, role of medical colleges in it, private–public partnerships, integration of non-governmental organizations and community activities into the programme. The next two chapters touch upon the global policies of the WHO for TB control and elimination and the Revised National TB Control Programme.

Vaccines are an effective means of prevention of disease, and TB vaccine development and its current perspectives are briefly discussed in the next chapter. Strategies and guidelines relating to TB infection control and limiting its transmission are also stressed upon in the next chapter. Finally, the last few chapters deal with national and international standards of TB care. The book finishes off with a chapter on INDEX-TB (Indian Extrapulmonary TB guidelines). These guidelines provide guidance on up-to-date, uniform, evidence-informed practices for suspecting, diagnosing and managing various forms of extrapulmonary TB at all levels of healthcare delivery.

Overall, this book adequately addresses all the aspects of TB. The text is well targeted and to the point to solve any issue related to pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. It will be an indispensable tool for postgraduate students, researchers and practicing pulmonologists in improving their knowledge and understanding of TB.