What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can involve other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can be either latent (inactive) or active, causing serious illness.

What Causes Tuberculosis?

TB is caused by inhaling airborne droplets containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria can remain dormant in the body without causing symptoms (latent TB), but may become active and multiply, leading to illness. Factors that increase risk include:

• Close contact with someone who has active TB.
• Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV infection, malnutrition).
• Living or working in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
• Certain medical conditions or treatments.

What Are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis?

Symptoms depend on whether TB is latent or active:

Latent TB: No symptoms and not contagious.

Active TB symptoms include:

• Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks.
• Coughing up blood or sputum.
• Chest pain.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• Fever and night sweats.
• Loss of appetite.

TB outside the lungs (extrapulmonary TB) can cause symptoms related to the affected organ.

How is Tuberculosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves several steps:

• Medical history and physical exam to assess symptoms and risk factors.
• Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test) or blood tests (IGRAs) to detect TB infection.
• Chest X-ray to identify lung abnormalities.
• Sputum tests to detect TB bacteria and confirm active disease.
• Biopsy or imaging for extrapulmonary TB.

How is Tuberculosis Treated?

Treatment requires a course of multiple antibiotics taken for at least 6 months:

• Common medications include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.
• Strict adherence to the full treatment course is essential to cure TB and prevent drug resistance.
• Patients with latent TB may receive preventive therapy to reduce the risk of developing active TB.

Can Tuberculosis Be Prevented?

Prevention strategies include:

• Vaccination with BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) in countries where TB is common.
• Avoiding close contact with people known to have active TB.
• Ensuring good ventilation in living and working spaces.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment of active TB cases to reduce transmission.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See a healthcare provider if you experience:

• A cough lasting more than 3 weeks.
• Coughing up blood.
• Unexplained weight loss or night sweats.
• Fever that persists.
• Close contact with someone diagnosed with TB.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effective management and to prevent spreading TB to others.