Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious
infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis
are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the
air via coughs and sneezes.
infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis
are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the
air via coughs and sneezes.
Causative Agents of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is caused by various strains of
mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium
tuberculosis.
mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium
tuberculosis.
Clinical Features of Tuberculosis
Clinical
features of tuberculosis include:
features of tuberculosis include:
- Coughing that lasts three or more weeks
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Chills
- Loss of appetite
Incubation
Period of Tuberculosis
Period of Tuberculosis
Incubation
period for tuberculosis is approximately 2 to 12 weeks
period for tuberculosis is approximately 2 to 12 weeks
Mode of Transmission of Tuberculosis
The bacteria are spread
from person to person in tiny microscopic droplets when a TB sufferer coughs, sneezes, speaks,
sings, or laughs.
from person to person in tiny microscopic droplets when a TB sufferer coughs, sneezes, speaks,
sings, or laughs.
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
·
Blood
tests
Blood
tests
·
Imaging
tests
Imaging
tests
·
Sputum test
Sputum test
Prevention/Control of Tuberculosis
·
Vaccinations: In countries where tuberculosis is more common,
infants often are vaccinated with bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine because
it can prevent severe tuberculosis in children
Vaccinations: In countries where tuberculosis is more common,
infants often are vaccinated with bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine because
it can prevent severe tuberculosis in children
·
Stay home: Don’t go to work or school or sleep in a room with
other people during the first few weeks of treatment for active tuberculosis.
Stay home: Don’t go to work or school or sleep in a room with
other people during the first few weeks of treatment for active tuberculosis.
·
Ventilate the room: Tuberculosis germs spread more easily in small closed
spaces where air doesn’t move. If it’s not too cold outdoors, open the windows
and use a fan to blow indoor air outside.
Ventilate the room: Tuberculosis germs spread more easily in small closed
spaces where air doesn’t move. If it’s not too cold outdoors, open the windows
and use a fan to blow indoor air outside.
·
Cover your mouth: Use a tissue to cover your mouth anytime you laugh,
sneeze or cough. Put the dirty tissue in a bag, seal it and throw it away.
Cover your mouth: Use a tissue to cover your mouth anytime you laugh,
sneeze or cough. Put the dirty tissue in a bag, seal it and throw it away.
·
Wear a mask: Wearing a surgical mask when you’re around other
people during the first three weeks of treatment may help lessen the risk of
transmission.
Wear a mask: Wearing a surgical mask when you’re around other
people during the first three weeks of treatment may help lessen the risk of
transmission.