Tuberculosis, Lung Infections, and Respiratory Care

Respiratory Infections Beyond TB

Respiratory infections beyond tuberculosis (TB) continue to be among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly affecting young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. These infections encompass a wide range of diseases, including pneumonia, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, COVID-19, and other bacterial or viral respiratory illnesses. The burden is especially high in low- and middle-income countries, where access to timely diagnosis, vaccination, and appropriate treatment remains limited. The diagnosis of respiratory infections requires careful clinical evaluation supported by laboratory and imaging tools. Common symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain can overlap among different pathogens, making specific identification essential for proper management. Diagnostic advancements, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based multiplex panels, antigen detection assays, and rapid point-of-care tests, have improved the ability to identify causative organisms quickly and accurately. Chest imaging—particularly digital radiography and, in severe cases, computed tomography (CT) scans—remains a valuable tool for assessing disease severity and detecting complications. Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into imaging interpretation is emerging as a supportive technology to enhance diagnostic precision.

Management of respiratory infections focuses on the underlying cause, disease severity, and patient risk factors. Viral infections like influenza and COVID-19 are managed with antiviral drugs, supportive care, and oxygen therapy when necessary, while bacterial infections such as community-acquired pneumonia require timely antibiotic therapy guided by local resistance patterns. Preventive measures play a critical role, including vaccination programs against influenza, pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and COVID-19, which have significantly reduced disease incidence and severity. In hospital and community settings, infection control practices—such as hand hygiene, mask use, and isolation of contagious patients—are vital in limiting transmission