What is TB?
TB stands for tuberculosis , which is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, brain, spine, lymph nodes, bones, and joints (extra-pulmonary TB)
How is TB Spread?
TB is spread through the air when a person with active TB in their lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings, releasing bacteria into the air. People nearby can then inhale these bacteria and become infected. TB is not spread by touching, kissing, or sharing food, cutlery, bedding, or clothes
Types of TB
- Active TB : The bacteria multiply and cause symptoms. People with active TB in the lungs or throat can spread the disease to others. Symptoms include a persistent cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats
- Latent TB : The bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state and cause no symptoms. People with latent TB do not feel sick and cannot spread TB to others. However, latent TB can become active if the immune system weakens
Symptoms
Common symptoms of active TB include:
- Prolonged cough (sometimes with blood)
- Chest pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
Treatment and Prevention
TB is curable with a course of antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and the spread of the disease. In some countries, the BCG vaccine is given to children to help prevent severe forms of TB
Global Impact
TB remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, with millions of new cases and deaths each year, especially in low- and middle-income countries
Key Facts Table
Aspect| Details
---|---
Cause| Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Main Target| Lungs (but can affect other organs)
Transmission| Airborne (coughing, sneezing, talking by someone with active TB)
Types| Active TB (symptomatic, infectious), Latent TB (no symptoms, not
infectious)
Treatment| Curable with antibiotics
Prevention| Early diagnosis, treatment, BCG vaccine (in some countries)
TB is a preventable and treatable disease, but it remains a significant global health challenge
