Romain Rouillard / Photo credit: WLADIMIR BULGAR / SCIENCE PHOTO LI / WBU / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY VIA AFP
Sometimes considered an extinct disease, thanks in particular to the existence of a vaccine, tuberculosis is indeed present in France. The number of cases recorded in France is even increasing by 9.8% between 2023 and 2021, according to data published by Public Health France. Thus, 4,728 people were diagnosed last year, compared to 4,306 in 2021.
These figures observed in France illustrate a trend that goes far beyond our borders. In 2022, the World Health Organization was already predicting a rebound in the disease since, for the first time in 20 years, the number of infected people was increasing.
Chest pain, cough, fever…
If this comeback of tuberculosis can be explained by “a catch-up in diagnosed cases”, after two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the health authorities are carefully monitoring the evolution of this disease which was, before being dethroned by… Covid-19, the leading cause of death by infection in the world.
In most cases, tuberculosis attacks the lungs and manifests itself as a chronic cough accompanied by the need to expectorate. The sputum may show traces of blood, notes the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). The patient also feels chest pain as well as asthenia, that is to say a state of general fatigue. Fever, of moderate intensity but persistence, may also occur and be accompanied by night sweats. In rarer cases, tuberculosis can affect the bones, brain, intestines or even kidneys.
Factors favoring the disease
Symptoms which ultimately occur quite rarely, including in people carrying the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis. In 90% of cases, the latter “sleeps” in the body and the person does not develop the disease. We then speak of “latent tuberculosis” which, in 5 to 10% of cases according to Inserm, can nevertheless resurface.
People with diabetes or weakened immune systems are at greater risk of contracting the disease. Malnutrition or tobacco consumption can also contribute to the onset of tuberculosis. This extremely contagious disease, which is transmitted through the air, is treated with antibiotics. These must be taken until the end of treatment, otherwise the bacteria may develop resistance. In general, according to WHO recommendations, treatment for tuberculosis lasts six months.
The war in Ukraine has also contributed to increasing the number of cases recorded since the country has one of the highest incidence rates in Europe. France has even implemented active tuberculosis screening for certain refugees coming from Ukraine.