4/13/2023

Chain of infection of
Tuberculosis

Submitted By: Bakhtawar Noor

Submitted To: Dr Iram
SAP ID: 51913
 Airborne TB
bacteria
Infected
person
Cycle
coughs,
repeats speaks, or
sneezes

Infected
person
TB bacteria are
coughs,
released into air
speaks, or
sneezes again

TB bacteria Uninfected
multiply in person inhales
new host's with TB
lungs bacteria

TB bacteria
settle in lungs
of new host

One of the examples of an infectious disease and its chain of transmission is tuberculosis (TB), caused by
the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The chain of transmission for TB typically includes the
following:

Reservoir: The primary reservoir for M. Tuberculosis is infected humans.

Mode of transmission: TB is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs,
sneezes, or talks. The bacteria can then be inhaled into the lungs of other people who are nearby.

Portal of entry: The bacteria enter the body through the mouth or nose and infect the lungs.

Susceptible host: Anyone who comes into contact with the bacteria is potentially susceptible to TB, but
certain populations, such as people with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of developing
active disease.

Incubation period: The incubation period for TB is typically 2-12 weeks.

Clinical disease: TB can be either active or latent. In active TB disease, the bacteria multiply in the lungs
and can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. In latent TB infection, the
bacteria are present in the body but do not cause symptoms.

Recovery or death: With prompt and appropriate treatment, most people with TB can be cured.
However, if left untreated, TB can cause severe illness and death.

Prevention of TB transmission: involves measures such as isolating people with active TB disease until
they are no longer infectious, using respiratory protection for healthcare workers who care for TB
patients, and screening high-risk populations for latent TB infection and providing treatment as needed.
Additionally, efforts to improve living conditions, reduce poverty, and increase access to healthcare can
help to reduce the burden of TB.