Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing bacteria into the air, which can then be inhaled by others.
Symptoms of TB can vary depending on whether it is latent TB infection or active TB disease:
- Latent TB infection: In latent TB infection, the bacteria remain dormant in the body and cause no symptoms. However, people with latent TB infection can still develop active TB disease in the future if the bacteria become active.
- Active TB disease: Symptoms of active TB disease may include a persistent cough, often with blood-tinged sputum, chest pain, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and chills. TB can also affect other parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as back pain, joint pain, and neurological symptoms if it spreads beyond the lungs.
Risk factors for TB include:
- Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, or certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer), are at higher risk of developing TB.
- Close contact with someone with active TB: Being in close contact with someone who has active TB disease increases the risk of infection.
- Living or working in crowded or poorly ventilated environments: TB spreads more easily in crowded settings.
- Travel to or residence in areas with high TB prevalence: Certain regions, particularly in developing countries, have higher rates of TB.
Diagnosis of TB typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests (such as chest X-rays), and laboratory tests (such as sputum tests and TB skin tests). Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics taken over several months to kill the bacteria and prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant strains.
It's important for individuals diagnosed with TB to complete their full course of treatment as prescribed by a healthcare professional to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB. Additionally, preventive therapy may be recommended for individuals with latent TB infection, particularly those at high risk of developing active TB disease.
