Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease, also known as pulmonary tuberculosis, caused by airborne bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
Types of Tuberculosis
1.
Latent TB Infection
In this form, the bacteria remain inactive in the body and do not cause
symptoms. The person is not contagious; however, if the immune system weakens,
the latent bacteria can become active and cause illness.
2.
Active TB Disease
In active TB, the bacteria multiply and cause symptoms. The patient becomes
contagious and can spread the infection to others.
How Does TB Spread?
Pulmonary TB is transmitted from person to person through airborne droplets released when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, spits, or has close contact with others. Breathing in contaminated air can lead to infection.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Persistent cough lasting 3 weeks or more
Chest pain
Coughing up blood or sputum
Fatigue or general weakness
Unintended weight loss
Loss of appetite
Chills
Fever
Night sweats
TB Prevention
Most children receive the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine at birth, which offers protection against tuberculosis, especially in its severe forms.
Complications of Tuberculosis
If left untreated, TB can spread beyond the lungs to affect other organs such as the bones, brain, kidneys, liver, or heart. This may lead to serious complications, including:
Joint damage
Lung scarring or permanent lung damage
Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the heart (pericarditis)
Inflammation of bones, spinal cord, brain, or lymph nodes
Liver and kidney dysfunction
Who Is at Higher Risk for Developing TB?
1. Individuals with HIV or AIDS
2. People with diabetes
3. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
4. Organ transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy
5. Patients on medications for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis
6. Travelers or residents of countries with high TB prevalence, including South Africa, India, China, Mexico, and some East Asian nations
7. Individuals in close, prolonged contact with TB patients—such as household members—should take precautions, including wearing masks and frequent handwashing when handling personal items of the infected person.