Tuberculosis: A

Comprehensive
Overview
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium
Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also spread
to other parts of the body. TB is a major global health concern, with millions of
people affected worldwide.

by MEHAR SHAIKH
Causes and Transmission
1 Caused by Bacteria
Tuberculosis is caused by the
bacterium Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, which is spread through
the air when a person with active TB
coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
2 Airborne Transmission
TB is primarily transmitted through the
inhalation of airborne droplets
containing the TB bacteria. Close
contact with an infected person
increases the risk of transmission.

3 Reactivation of Latent Infection

In some cases, the immune system can contain the TB bacteria, leading to a latent
infection. This can later reactivate and cause active disease.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms Diagnosis

Common symptoms of tuberculosis include Tuberculosis is diagnosed through a

persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight combination of tests, including a skin test, blood
loss, fever, and night sweats. test, and chest X-ray. In some cases, a sputum
sample may be analyzed to detect the presence
of the TB bacteria.
Treatment and Medications
Antibiotic Therapy Drug-Resistant TB Directly Observed
Therapy
Tuberculosis is typically In some cases, the TB
treated with a combination bacteria may develop To ensure proper
of antibiotics, including resistance to certain treatment adherence, a
isoniazid, rifampin, antibiotics, requiring the healthcare worker may
ethambutol, and use of alternative directly observe the
pyrazinamide, taken over treatment regimens. patient taking their
an extended period of medication, known as
time. directly observed therapy
(DOT).
Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Latent TB Infection
Latent TB infection occurs when a person has the TB bacteria in their body, but the
immune system has prevented the bacteria from causing active disease.

Risk of Reactivation
Individuals with latent TB have a 5-10% lifetime risk of the infection reactivating
and progressing to active tuberculosis, especially if their immune system is
weakened.

Preventive Treatment
Preventive treatment with antibiotics can significantly reduce the risk of latent TB
infection progressing to active disease.
Prevention and Control
Vaccination
The BCG vaccine can provide
some protection against
certain forms of tuberculosis,
especially in children.
Improved Ventilation
Ensuring proper ventilation
and air circulation in
healthcare settings and living
spaces can help reduce the
spread of TB.
Contact Tracing
Identifying and screening
individuals who have been in
close contact with someone
with active TB can help prevent
further transmission.
Pathophysiology of Tuberculosis
1 Infection
The TB bacteria enter the body through the respiratory system and are taken up
by alveolar macrophages in the lungs.

2 Immune Response
The body's immune system tries to contain the infection by forming granulomas,
which can either control or fail to contain the bacteria.

3 Active Disease
If the immune system fails to control the infection, the TB bacteria can multiply
and cause active tuberculosis disease, leading to symptoms and transmission.
Diagnostic Studies for Tuberculosis
Skin Test A skin test that measures the body's immune
reaction to TB bacteria.

Blood Test A blood test that detects the presence of TB

antibodies or T-cells.

Chest X-ray An imaging test that can detect changes in the

lungs associated with TB.

Sputum Test Analysis of a sputum sample to detect the

presence of TB bacteria.