TB is an acronym that stands for tuberculosis, which is an infectious disease, primarily affecting the lungs. It is caused by the bacterial species Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain.
The symptoms of TB include persistent coughing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. However, not everyone infected with the bacteria develops active TB; some may have latent TB infection, where the bacteria are present in the body but are inactive and do not cause symptoms. Latent TB can become active if the immune system weakens, making it crucial to undergo regular screening.
TB is a serious global health issue, and its treatment involves a combination of antibiotics taken for several months. The disease can be fatal if left untreated or if appropriate treatment is not completed. In some cases, drug-resistant strains of TB have emerged, making treatment more challenging.
Efforts to prevent TB include vaccination with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which can provide partial protection against certain forms of the disease. Additionally, healthcare systems employ strategies such as early detection, isolation of contagious individuals, and contact tracing to limit the spread of TB.
Overall, TB represents a significant burden on public health, necessitating ongoing efforts to combat its spread, improve diagnosis and treatment, and develop vaccines and newer drugs to combat drug-resistant strains.
