When working with Tuberculosis, a contagious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Also known as TB, it can stay hidden as latent TB infection or become active and spread. Prevention often relies on the BCG vaccine, while modern treatment battles multi‑drug‑resistant TB.
Understanding Tuberculosis starts with its two main forms: pulmonary, which hits the lungs, and extrapulmonary, which can affect the spine, brain, or kidneys. The disease spreads through tiny airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so close‑quarter contact raises the risk. Typical signs include a persistent cough, night sweats, fever, and weight loss; however, many people carry the bacteria without any symptoms for years. Diagnosis blends symptom checks with lab tests—sputum smear microscopy, culture, and rapid molecular tools like GeneXpert—making early detection possible.
Effective treatment requires a combination of antibiotics taken for at least six months; the standard regimen mixes isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. When the bacteria become resistant, doctors turn to second‑line drugs, extending therapy and increasing side‑effect monitoring. Public‑health strategies adapt to drug‑resistant cases by emphasizing directly observed therapy (DOT), contact tracing, and community education. Vaccination with BCG still offers protection against severe childhood TB forms, though its effectiveness against adult pulmonary TB varies.
The collection below pulls together practical guides, drug comparisons, and lifestyle tips that help you navigate every stage of the disease—from spotting early symptoms to choosing the right medication and staying adherent to therapy. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or health‑enthusiast, the articles ahead give you actionable insights to manage Tuberculosis confidently and keep its spread in check.
Explore how tuberculosis influenced literature, painting, film, and music, revealing the disease's lasting imprint on culture and creative expression.