PTB, an acronym for Pulmonary Tuberculosis, refers to a chronic infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium easily spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. PTB is characterized by the formation of small tubercles (small nodules or lesions) in the lungs, leading to coughing, chest pain, blood in sputum, and sometimes fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
The infection cycle of PTB commences when the bacterium enters the lungs through inhalation, following which it invades the respiratory system and infects the alveoli (tiny air sacs). Here, the bacteria reproduce and multiply, forming lesions and causing inflammation in the lung tissues. As the infection progresses, these lesions may break down, yielding an open airway to the bacteria, increasing the risk of spreading the disease to others.
PTB is commonly diagnosed through diagnostic tests such as sputum smear microscopy, chest X-rays, and interferon-gamma release assays. Treatment for PTB usually involves a combination of antibiotics that suppress the growth and spread of the bacterium, typically over a period of six to nine months.
Considering its contagious nature, prevention and control of PTB involve measures like early diagnosis, timely treatment, and preventive strategies like vaccination with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. Public health interventions, such as contact tracing and patient education, play a crucial role in preventing its transmission and reducing its prevalence.
