Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body.

Causes and Risk Factors

• TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• Risk factors for developing TB include close contact with someone who has active TB, a weakened immune system, and certain medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and cancer.
• People who are malnourished, have a history of smoking, or have been infected with TB in the past are also at increased risk.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of active TB include coughing, chest pain, and coughing up blood or mucus.
• Other symptoms may include fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.
• Some people with latent TB infection (LTBI) may not exhibit any symptoms at all.

Types of Tuberculosis

• Pulmonary TB: affects the lungs and is the most common form of TB.
• Extrapulmonary TB: affects other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain.
• Miliary TB: a rare and severe form of TB that affects multiple parts of the body.
• Llatent TB infection (LTBI): a condition in which the bacteria are present in the body but do not cause symptoms.

Diagnosis

• TB is typically diagnosed through a combination of tests, including:
• Chest X-ray: to look for signs of lung damage or scarring.
• Sputum test: to collect and examine mucus from the lungs for TB bacteria.
• Tuberculin skin test (TST): to measure the body's immune response to TB bacteria.
• Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA): a blood test that measures the body's immune response to TB bacteria.

Treatment

• Active TB is typically treated with a combination of antibiotics, including:
• Isoniazid (INH)
• Rifampin (RIF)
• Pyrazinamide (PZA)
• Ethambutol (EMB)
• Treatment typically lasts for 6-9 months.
• LTBI is typically treated with a single antibiotic, such as INH, for 3-9 months.

Prevention and Control

• Vaccination: the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is used in some countries to prevent TB.
• Infection control measures, such as wearing masks and isolating infected individuals, can help prevent the spread of TB.
• Early detection and treatment of active TB can also help prevent the spread of the disease.

Complications

• If left untreated, TB can lead to serious complications, including:
• Lung damage: scarring and damage to lung tissue.
• Spread of infection: to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys or brain.
• Respiratory failure: in severe cases, TB can cause respiratory failure, which can be life-threatening.

Epidemiology

• TB is a major public health concern worldwide, with an estimated 10 million new cases and 1.5 million deaths annually.
• The disease is most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa and Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Tuberculosis?
A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

How is Tuberculosis spread?
Through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?
Cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

Can Tuberculosis be cured?
Yes, with proper antibiotic treatment.

How long does Tuberculosis treatment last?
Typically 6-9 months.

Is Tuberculosis contagious?
Yes, if left untreated.

Can anyone get Tuberculosis?
Yes, but some people are more at risk.

What are the risk factors for Tuberculosis?
Weakened immune system, age, and exposure to infected person.

How is Tuberculosis diagnosed?
With a skin test, blood test, or chest X-ray.

Can Tuberculosis be prevented?
Yes, with vaccination and proper precautions.