## Tuberculosis (TB)
**Introduction**
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs and other parts of the body. It is spread through the air when a person with TB coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can enter the body through the mouth or nose and become active in the lungs.
**Symptoms**
* Persistent cough (for more than 2 weeks)
* Fever
* Night sweats
* Weight loss
* Fatigue
* Chest pain
* Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
**Diagnosis**
* **Sputum culture:** A sample of sputum (mucus from the lungs) is examined for the bacteria.
* **X-ray:** A chest X-ray may show abnormalities in the lungs, such as cavities or scarring.
* **Bronchoscopy:** A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the lungs to examine the airways and collect samples.
* **Tuberculin skin test (TST):** A small amount of fluid containing TB bacteria is injected into the skin. A reaction within 48-72 hours indicates past or present TB infection.
* **Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA):** A blood test that detects the body’s immune response to TB bacteria.
**Types of TB**
* **Latent tuberculosis:** The bacteria are present in the body but inactive. Symptoms are not present, and the person is not contagious.
* **Active tuberculosis:** The bacteria are active and causing symptoms. The person is contagious and can spread TB to others.
* **Extrapulmonary tuberculosis:** TB infection occurs in other parts of the body besides the lungs, such as:
* **Lymph nodes**
* **Bones**
* **Kidneys**
* **Brain**
* **Spine**
* **Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB):** TB bacteria have become resistant to at least two first-line antibiotics used to treat TB.
* **Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB):** TB bacteria have become resistant to at least two first-line antibiotics and at least one second-line antibiotic.
**Treatment**
Treatment for TB typically involves taking multiple antibiotics for several months. The specific antibiotics used and the duration of treatment depend on the type of TB.
* **Isoniazid**
* **Rifampicin**
* **Ethambutol**
* **Pyrazinamide**
* **Streptomycin**
* **Capreomycin**
* **Linezolid**
* **Bedaquiline**
* **Delamanid**
**Complications**
* **Tuberculosis meningitis:** Infection of the brain’s lining
* **Tuberculosis of the spine:** Infection of the vertebrae
* **Cavitation:** Hollow spaces in the lungs caused by TB infection
* **Damage to other organs**
* **Death**
**Prevention**
* **Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine:** A vaccine that provides partial protection against TB.
* **Early diagnosis and treatment:** Isolating infected individuals and providing prompt treatment can help prevent the spread of TB.
* **Contact investigation:** Identifying and testing individuals who have been in close contact with someone with TB to prevent further transmission.
* **Case management:** Educating and supporting individuals with TB to ensure adherence to treatment and prevent relapse.
**Co-infection with HIV**
People with HIV are at increased risk of developing TB, and TB can worsen the progression of HIV. Early diagnosis and treatment of both TB and HIV is essential to improve outcomes.
**Additional Notes**
* TB is a global health problem, with millions of cases diagnosed each year.
* Drug-resistant TB is a growing concern, posing a significant challenge to TB control.
* TB can be a serious and potentially fatal disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a successful recovery.
