WHAT IS TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, though it can also impact other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. The disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Types of Tuberculosis

There are two main forms of tuberculosis:

Latent TB Infection: In this stage, the bacteria remain inactive in the body and do not cause symptoms. Individuals with latent TB are not contagious.
Active TB Disease: This occurs when the bacteria multiply and cause symptoms. Active TB can be transmitted to others and requires treatment to prevent severe health consequences.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of active tuberculosis include:

Prolonged cough (sometimes with blood)
Chest pain
Weakness or fatigue
Weight loss
Fever
Night sweats

Symptoms may be mild for months, making it easy to unknowingly spread the disease.

Risk Factors

Certain populations are at higher risk for developing active TB, including:

Individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., those with HIV/AIDS)
People with diabetes or malnutrition
Smokers and those who misuse alcohol.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically involves skin tests, blood tests, chest X-rays, and sputum samples to detect the bacteria. Treatment for active TB usually consists of a standard six-month course of antibiotics, including rifampicin and isoniazid. Drug-resistant strains of TB require more complex treatment regimens.

Global Impact

Despite being preventable and treatable, tuberculosis remains a significant global health issue, causing approximately 1.5 million deaths annually. It is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.

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