What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also impact other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB), like the kidneys, spine, and brain.

How Does TB Spread?

  • Airborne Transmission: TB spreads when a person with active TB disease in the lungs coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air.
  • Inhalation: People nearby can inhale these droplets and become infected.

TB Transmission Diagram

TB Infection vs. TB Disease

TB Infection (Latent) TB Disease (Active)
Bacteria present, inactive Bacteria multiplying
No symptoms Symptoms present
Not contagious Contagious
Can develop into active TB Needs immediate treatment

Symptoms of TB

  • Pulmonary TB (Lungs):

    • Persistent cough (more than 3 weeks)
    • Coughing up blood
    • Chest pain
    • Fatigue
    • Weight loss
    • Night sweats
    • Fever

  • Extrapulmonary TB:

    • Symptoms depend on the organ affected (e.g., back pain for spinal TB)

How is TB Diagnosed?

  1. Skin Test (Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test)
  2. Blood Tests
  3. Chest X-rays
  4. Sputum Test (checking mucus from lungs for bacteria)

TB Treatment

  • Antibiotics: TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics for at least 6 months.
  • Directly Observed Therapy (DOT): Health workers watch patients take their medicine to ensure they finish the course.

TB Prevention

  • BCG Vaccine: Given to infants in countries with high TB rates.
  • Good Ventilation: Reduces risk in crowded places.
  • Covering Mouth/Nose: When coughing or sneezing.

TB in Numbers

  • TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.
  • In 2022, about 10.6 million people fell ill with TB, and 1.3 million died (WHO).

Surprising Facts About TB

  1. Ancient Disease: TB has been found in Egyptian mummies, showing it has affected humans for thousands of years.
  2. Silent Carrier: About 1 in 4 people worldwide have latent TB infection, meaning they carry the bacteria but don’t feel sick.
  3. Drug Resistance: Some TB bacteria have evolved to resist multiple antibiotics, making treatment much harder (Multidrug-Resistant TB or MDR-TB).

TB Bacteria and Extreme Environments

Some bacteria, including relatives of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can survive in harsh conditions like deep-sea vents and radioactive waste. This shows how adaptable bacteria can be and why TB is so hard to eliminate.

TB Mind Map

TB Mind Map

Interdisciplinary Connections

  • Biology: Understanding how bacteria infect the body and how the immune system responds.
  • Chemistry: How antibiotics work at the molecular level to kill bacteria.
  • Social Studies: TB’s impact on global health, poverty, and public policy.
  • Math: Analyzing TB statistics and modeling disease spread.
  • Technology: Development of new diagnostic tools and vaccines using biotechnology.

Recent Research

A 2022 study published in The Lancet (“Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis”) highlights the growing challenge of drug-resistant TB. The study found that drug-resistant infections, including TB, are rising worldwide, making it more important than ever to complete treatment and develop new medicines.

How TB Impacts Daily Life

  • School and Work: People with active TB may miss school or work for months.
  • Stigma: Fear of spreading TB can cause social isolation.
  • Healthcare: TB requires regular doctor visits and long-term medication.
  • Family: Family members may need to be tested and sometimes treated.
  • Travel: Some countries require TB testing before entry.

TB: A Global Challenge

TB affects people of all ages, but especially those with weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV). It is more common in crowded or poorly ventilated places. Ending TB requires global cooperation, scientific innovation, and public awareness.

References

Study Tip: Review the mind map and diagrams to help remember key concepts and connections!