Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection which usually affects lungs and lymph glands. It can be difficult to detect it in early stages and people can be infected for weeks before the symptoms actually begin to appear.

Sometimes, the infection does not cause any symptoms and that condition is called latent TB. It remains in our body harmlessly but if our immune system fails to kill it, it might spread within the lungs.

When people display the symptoms, it is called active TB. Experts warn that the cases of TB are rising, with the bacteria mutating and becoming drug resistant.

The symptoms of TB include persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, high temperature, loss of appetite and tiredness and fatigue. Swellings in the neck may also be a sign of the disease. TB can be cured with treatment which is a course of antibiotics which are prescribed for upto six months.

It is very imperative for the people affected by the disease to complete the prescribed course, else bacteria will become drug resistant and will attack again with more intensity.

This year, certain initiatives were taken in Mumbai to track if people were taking their daily medication.

In one such step, each tablet has a hidden number which along with another number printed on the front of the tablet's cover, is a phone number. Patients will have to call that number to register that they have taken the tablet for the day.

Another high tech programme will be unveiled in May in which patients will be given a box with a sensor. The minute they open the box, a message will be sent to the BMC.

TB patients, apart from being physically affected also undergo mental agony and fear due to the stigma attached to the disease. A band of youngsters in Mumbai who have recovered from drug resistant forms have come together to form a support group to help other TB patients. They meet patients and assure them of recovery by giving their own example.

Many of these youngsters have struggled with (multi drug resistant) MDR-TB for years , but are now leading perfectly normal lives. Such persons are the best ambassadors who bring hope to the TB patients. Usually, people get frightened on hearing a diagnosis of drug resistant TB, but these youngsters are living proof that TB can be conquered.

March 24 is celebrated as World TB Day and is designed to create public awareness that tuberculosis remains an epidemic causing millions of death, especially in developing countries. Less toxic drugs and timely diagnosis through increased government funding to TB research is the need of the hour.