What Is Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily attacks the lungs but can affect other parts of the body. The disease spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes.
Common Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms often include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or more, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. Diagnosis typically involves a skin or blood test, followed by a chest X-ray and sputum sample analysis to confirm active infection.
Treatment and Prevention
Active TB is treated with a strict course of antibiotics, usually taken for six to nine months. Completing the full regimen is essential to prevent drug resistance. The BCG vaccine offers some protection, and early detection with proper isolation helps reduce transmission.
For more detailed information on tuberculosis causes and global health impact, visit the World Health Organization tuberculosis fact sheet.
