Difference Between Tuberculosis and Pneumonia

Tuberculosis (TB) and pneumonia are significant respiratory infections that affect globally.TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs and requires prolonged treatment. Pneumonia, resulting from various pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, inflames the air sacs in the lungs and can lead to acute symptoms and rapid deterioration. Both diseases are preventable and treatable but require distinct approaches, including vaccination, antibiotics, and public health measures to control their spread and impact.

Comparative Table

Below is the difference between Tuberculosis and Pneumonia in the tabular format:

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What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. In 2022, there were an estimated 10 million new TB cases and 1.5 million TB-related deaths.The highest burden is observed in countries like India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and South Africa.

Cause and Transmission

• The Causative Agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis 
• TB is transmitted through Airborne droplets from coughs, sneezes, or talking. 
• Once inhaled, TB bacteria settle in the lungs and can enter the bloodstream, spreading to other organs. The immune system walls off the bacteria, forming granulomas. In some cases, the bacteria remain dormant, leading to latent TB, which can reactivate when the immune system is weakened.

Symptoms

• Persistent cough (lasting more than three weeks)
• hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and chest pain
•  weight loss, night sweats, fever, and fatigue.

Diagnosis

• Tuberculin skin test (TST)
•  interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs)
• chest X-ray, sputum smear microscopy, and culture.

Treatment

• First-Line Drugs: A standard treatment regimen includes isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide for the first two months, followed by isoniazid and rifampin for an additional four months.

• Drug-Resistant TB: Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) requires longer treatment with second-line drugs, which can be more toxic and less effective.

• Duration: Typically 6-9 months for drug-sensitive TB; longer for MDR-TB.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia, on the other hand, is an acute infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age and older adults.In 2022, it caused approximately 2.5 million deaths worldwide.

Cause and Transmission

• Common bacterial causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, while viruses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also significant culprits.
• Transmitted byInhalation of airborne particles, aspiration of oropharyngeal contents, or hematogenous spread.
• Pathogens invade the alveoli, leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation. This results in impaired gas exchange and manifests as symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms

• Acute onset of cough, fever and chills.
• Dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain.
• Purulent sputum. In severe cases, cyanosis and altered mental status can occur.

Diagnosis

• Chest X-ray, sputum Gram stain and culture,blood cultures.
• Sometimes specific antigen or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

Treatment

• Bacterial Pneumonia: Empiric antibiotic therapy tailored based on the most likely pathogens, patient's age, comorbidities, and local resistance patterns. Common antibiotics include amoxicillin, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones.
• Viral Pneumonia: Mainly supportive care; antiviral medications may be used for influenza or other specific viral causes.
• Duration: Generally, 5-10 days for uncomplicated cases; longer for severe or complicated cases.

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Key difference

Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, requiring prolonged treatment and primarily affecting the lungs while Pneumonia is an acute infection caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs.