Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs such as the brain, kidneys, spine, and lymph nodes. Tuberculosis spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Tuberculosis is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide and remains a major public health concern. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Overview
Tuberculosis primarily affects the respiratory system and damages lung tissues.
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The disease may exist in two forms:
- Latent Tuberculosis
- Active Tuberculosis
People with latent TB do not show symptoms and cannot spread the disease, while active TB causes illness and can infect others. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Symptoms
Common symptoms of active tuberculosis include:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Coughing blood
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms usually develop gradually over time. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Causes
Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.
The disease spreads through airborne droplets released when infected individuals:
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Speak
- Spit
Crowded living conditions and weak immune systems increase the risk of transmission. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Types of Tuberculosis
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Affects the lungs and is the most common form of TB.
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Affects organs outside the lungs such as:
- Brain
- Kidneys
- Spine
- Lymph nodes
Latent Tuberculosis
Inactive infection without symptoms.
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
A form of TB resistant to major anti-TB medicines. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose tuberculosis using:
- Chest X-ray
- Sputum test
- Tuberculin skin test
- Blood tests
- CT scan
- Molecular diagnostic tests
Rapid molecular tests help identify TB and drug resistance. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Treatment
Tuberculosis is treated using antibiotics over several months.
Common anti-TB medicines include:
- Isoniazid
- Rifampicin
- Pyrazinamide
- Ethambutol
Treatment must be completed fully to prevent drug resistance. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Prevention
Tuberculosis prevention methods include:
- BCG vaccination
- Early diagnosis
- Proper ventilation
- Wearing masks
- Completing treatment
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
Complications
Untreated tuberculosis may lead to:
- Lung damage
- Respiratory failure
- Meningitis
- Organ damage
- Death
Drug-resistant TB is more difficult to treat and requires specialized medical care. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Importance
Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge despite being preventable and curable. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to reduce transmission and mortality. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}