Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, like the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
There are two main forms:
1. Latent TB – the bacteria are in the body but inactive and cause no symptoms; not contagious.
2. Active TB – the bacteria are active and cause symptoms; this form is contagious.
Common Symptoms of Active TB:
Persistent cough (lasting more than 3 weeks)
Coughing up blood
Chest pain
Fatigue
Weight loss
Fever and night sweats
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosed through skin tests, blood tests, chest X-rays, or sputum tests.
Treated with a long course (usually 6 months or more) of antibiotics like isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.
Would you like a summary, causes, prevention, o
r treatment plan in more detail?
