•Introduction.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by strains of bacteria known as mycobacteria. The disease most commonly affects the lungs and can be fatal if not treated.
However, most infected individuals show no disease symptoms.
One third of the worlds population is thought to have been infected with TB
•What is latent and active tuberculosis.
Getting the active disease means that the immune system fails to kill or contain the infection allowing it to spread to the lungs or other parts of the body.
This is called active tuberculosis.
In some individuals the immune system cannot kill the bacteria, but manages to prevent it from spreading in the body.
This can mean persistence of the bacteria in the body without producing symptoms.
This is called latent tuberculosis.
When this is present, a decline of damage to the immune system may cause the infection to flare up to give rise to frank and active tuberculosis.
•Symptoms.
•a persistent cough, lasting at least 3 weeks
phlegm, which may have blood in it, when they cough.
•a loss of appetite and weight
•a general feeling of fatigue and being unwell.
.swelling in the neck
•a fever
•night sweats
•chest pain
•Diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is diagnosed using several laboratory techniques that test samples of blood and sputum. The bacteria can be found on staining and microscopic examination of the sputum.
More rapid and sophisticated blood tests are also available to test for tuberculosis.
A chest X ray is used to visualize the tubercular lesions in the lungs.
CT scan and MRI images may also be used for diagnosis.
For tuberculosis affecting lymph nodes, skin etc, the local lesion may be biopsied to detect tuberculosis bacteria.
•Treatment.
With early detection and appropriate antibiotics, TB is treatable.
The right type of antibiotic and length of treatment will depend on:
•The person’s age and overall health
•Whether they have latent or active TB
the location of the infection
•Whether the strain of TB is drug resistant
•Preventions.
Ways of preventing TB from infecting others include:
•Getting a diagnosis and treatment early
•Staying away from other people until there is no longer a risk of infection
•Wearing a mask, covering the mouth, and ventilating rooms.