Tuberculosis TB

Tuberculosis TB

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also involve other parts of the body. Here's a brief overview of TB:

Causes

TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is highly contagious but not as easily transmitted as some other respiratory diseases.

Transmission

TB is primarily spread through the inhalation of respiratory droplets from an infected person. Close and prolonged contact with an active TB patient is usually required for transmission.

Types

There are two main forms of TB:

• Latent TB infection (LTBI): In this form, the bacteria are present in the body but are inactive and do not cause symptoms. However, LTBI can become active TB in the future.
• Active TB disease: This form of TB is characterized by active bacterial replication, causing symptoms and the potential for transmission to others.

Symptoms:

Active TB disease can present with various symptoms, which may include:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Unintentional weight loss

Diagnosis:

TB is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Common tests include tuberculin skin tests, blood tests (interferon-gamma release assays), and chest X-rays. Definitive diagnosis often requires culturing the bacteria from sputum or other bodily fluids.

Treatment:

TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics over an extended period, typically six months or longer. Commonly used antibiotics include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Patients must complete the full course of treatment to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.

Prevention:

TB can be prevented through various measures, including:

• Vaccination with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, although its effectiveness varies.
• Treating latent TB infections in individuals at high risk of progressing to active disease.
• Identifying and treating active TB cases promptly to prevent further transmission.
• Implementing infection control measures in healthcare settings.