Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. It is a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in developing countries.

What is Tuberculosis?

TB is a contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing droplets that contain the bacteria. The bacteria can then be inhaled by others, who may become infected. TB can also spread through close contact with an infected person, such as sharing food or drink.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

The symptoms of TB can vary depending on the severity and location of the infection. Common symptoms include:

• Coughing, which may produce phlegm or blood
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

In some cases, TB can also cause symptoms in other parts of the body, such as:

• Pain or swelling in the joints or bones
• Abdominal pain or diarrhea (if the infection is in the intestines)
• Headaches or seizures (if the infection is in the brain)
• Vision problems or blindness (if the infection is in the eyes)

Types of Tuberculosis

There are two main types of TB:

• Latent TB: This type of TB occurs when a person has been infected with the bacteria, but does not show any symptoms. The bacteria are dormant and not actively multiplying.
• Active TB: This type of TB occurs when the bacteria are actively multiplying and causing symptoms. Active TB can be further divided into two subtypes:
  • Pulmonary TB: This type of TB affects the lungs and is the most common form of the disease.
  • Extrapulmonary TB: This type of TB affects other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain.

Treatments for Tuberculosis

The treatment for TB typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken for at least six months. The most commonly used medications are:

• isoniazid (INH)
• rifampin (RIF)
• pyrazinamide (PZA)
• ethambutol (EMB)

In some cases, additional medications may be prescribed to treat TB, such as:

• streptomycin (SM)
• kanamycin (KM)
• capreomycin (CM)
• amikacin (AMK)

Surgery may also be necessary in some cases to remove damaged lung tissue or to repair other damage caused by the infection.

Prevention and Control Measures

To prevent the spread of TB, it is essential to:

• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Wear a mask in public places if you have active TB
• Avoid close contact with others if you have active TB
• Get tested for TB if you have been exposed to someone with the disease
• Complete the full course of treatment if you are diagnosed with TB

In addition, public health measures such as contact tracing and screening can help control the spread of TB in communities.