Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also infect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing bacteria into the air that others can inhale.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis include:

• Persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or sputum
• Unintentional weight loss
• Night sweats
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue and weakness

Latent vs. Active Tuberculosis

• Latent Tuberculosis: Individuals with latent TB are infected with M. tuberculosis but do not show symptoms and cannot spread the bacteria to others. However, they are at risk of developing active TB in the future.
• Active Tuberculosis: Individuals with active TB exhibit symptoms and can transmit the disease to others.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis: Diagnostic tools include the tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test), blood tests, chest X-rays, and microbiological analysis of sputum.
• Treatment: TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics taken over at least six months. Common medications include isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.

Prevention

• Vaccination: The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine provides protection against severe forms of TB in children.
• Preventive Measures: Screening and treating individuals with latent TB to prevent the development of active disease, and implementing infection control measures in healthcare settings and the community.

Challenges

Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) are forms of the disease that are resistant to the most effective TB drugs, requiring longer and more complex treatment regimens.

Preventing and controlling tuberculosis involves a multifaceted approach, including vaccination programs, prompt diagnosis, effective treatment, and follow-up to ensure treatment adherence.