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Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease of the lungs, caused by bacteria. Without treatment, it can become very serious and potentially fatal.

Pathogen

Pathogen

  • Human tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It infects pulmonary (lung) phagocytes.
  • Tuberculosis in cattle is caused by Mycobacterium bovis, but this can also affect humans.
  • TB tends to latently infect individuals, This means individuals are infected but don't show symptoms.
  • When an individual's immune system is weakened, the TB infection can activate.
    • The inflammatory response in the lungs can lead to symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulties, and temperatures.
Treatment

Treatment

  • Tuberculosis can be treated using antibiotics.
  • Vaccinations, such as the BCG vaccine, are available for some strains of tuberculosis, but not all of these are routine childhood vaccinations in the UK.
Transmission and prevention

Transmission and prevention

  • Tuberculosis is spread when infected droplets from the lungs are coughed into the air and breathed in by others.
  • Transmission can be prevented by using tissues when coughing or sneezing and having good handwashing practice.
  • Tuberculosis occurs all over the world, but is particularly common in developing countries with dense populations.
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