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Tuberculosis (TB) is a 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 is a contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing bacteria-containing droplets that can be inhaled by others.
Here are some key points about tuberculosis:
TB can cause a range of symptoms, including a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. In some cases, TB may be asymptomatic (latent TB) and not produce any noticeable symptoms.
TB can be diagnosed through various methods, including chest X-rays, sputum tests, and blood tests. A positive skin or blood test indicates exposure to the TB bacteria but does not necessarily mean an active infection.
Active TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics, typically over six to nine months. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics to prevent drug resistance. Latent TB can also be treated with antibiotics to prevent the development of active TB.
In some cases, TB bacteria can develop resistance to the antibiotics commonly used to treat the infection. This is known as drug-resistant TB, and it can be more challenging to treat.
TB prevention involves a combination of strategies, including vaccination (with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin or BCG vaccine), identifying and treating active cases promptly, and implementing infection control measures in healthcare settings.
TB remains a significant global health issue, with millions of new cases reported each year. High-burden countries, especially in Africa and Asia, face a greater challenge in controlling the disease.
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk of developing active TB if they are infected with the TB bacteria.
The isolation of individuals with active TB and quarantine of those with latent TB can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Efforts to control TB include improved diagnostics, treatment regimens, and public health measures to reduce transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eliminate TB as a public health threat by 2030. This goal includes reducing TB-related deaths, and cases, and ensuring equitable access to care for all affected individuals.