Services

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but can also affect other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, brain, kidneys, and spine (extrapulmonary TB). TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

Although treatable and curable, TB remains a major global health problem, especially in developing countries. Without proper treatment, it can be fatal.

Types of Tuberculosis

1. Latent TB Infection (LTBI)

• Person is infected but asymptomatic and non-infectious
• Can convert to active TB if immunity weakens

2. Active TB Disease

• Bacteria multiply and cause symptoms
• Can be pulmonary or extrapulmonary
• Infectious if pulmonary/laryngeal

3. Extrapulmonary TB

• Affects organs other than lungs
• Common sites: lymph nodes, spine (Pott’s disease), meninges, abdomen, genitourinary tract

Symptoms of Pulmonary TB

• Persistent cough for more than 2–3 weeks
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing

Symptoms of Extrapulmonary TB (varies with site)

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Back pain (spinal TB)
• Abdominal pain, ascites
• Neurological symptoms (in TB meningitis)

Risk Factors

• Close contact with TB patient
• HIV/AIDS
• Malnutrition
• Diabetes
• Smoking or alcohol abuse
• Immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., steroids)
• Healthcare workers
• Living in crowded/poor hygiene conditions

Prevention

• Early diagnosis and treatment
• Infection control in healthcare settings
• Use of masks and proper ventilation
• Treatment of latent TB in high-risk individuals