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Tuberculosis Facts
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What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.
How is TB spread?
TB is spread through the air when people who have active TB in their lungs cough, spit, speak, or sneeze.
What are the main types of TB?
The two main types of TB are latent TB, where the bacteria remain inactive, and active TB, where the bacteria cause symptoms and can be transmitted.
What are the typical symptoms of active TB?
Symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
What is the BCG vaccine?
The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is used against TB. It is one of the most widely used of all current vaccines, and it has a variable efficacy against adult pulmonary TB.
How is TB diagnosed?
TB can be diagnosed using a skin test called the Mantoux test, a blood test, sputum tests, and chest X-rays.
What is multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)?
MDR-TB is a form of TB infection caused by bacteria that are resistant to treatment with at least two of the most powerful first-line anti-TB medications: isoniazid and rifampin.
How is TB treated?
TB is treated with a standard 6-month course of four antimicrobial drugs. Adherence to the treatment is crucial to cure and to prevent the development of drug resistance.
What is extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB)?
XDR-TB is a form of TB caused by bacteria that are resistant to several of the most effective anti-TB drugs, including at least isoniazid and rifampin, among others.
What is the global impact of TB?
TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause from a single infectious agent, ranking above HIV/AIDS.
Can TB be cured?
Yes, TB can be cured with proper treatment. However, the treatment is long-term and requires multiple antibiotics over a span of at least six months.
Why is the DOTS strategy important?
The DOTS strategy, which stands for Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course, is important because it ensures patients with TB complete their course of medication, reducing the risk of drug resistance.
Who are at higher risk for TB?
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes, and smokers, as well as individuals living in overcrowded conditions, are at higher risk.
What role does HIV play in TB risk?
HIV significantly increases the risk of latent TB reactivating and progressing to active TB, because it weakens the immune system.
What preventive measures can be taken against TB?
Preventive measures include vaccination with the BCG vaccine, early detection and treatment of active TB cases, and improved living conditions with better ventilation.
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