10.1.2

Tuberculosis

Test yourself

Tuberculosis (TB)

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

Illustrative background for PathogenIllustrative background for Pathogen ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for TreatmentIllustrative background for Treatment ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Transmission and preventionIllustrative background for Transmission and prevention ?? "content

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.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Structure

2Biological Molecules

3Enzymes

4Cell Membranes & Transport

5The Mitotic Cell Cycle

6Nucleic Acids & Protein Synthesis

7Transport in Plants

8Transport in Mammals

9Gas Exchange

10Infectious Diseases

11Immunity

12Energy & Respiration (A2 Only)

13Photosynthesis (A2 Only)

14Homeostasis (A2 Only)

15Control & Coordination (A2 Only)

16Inherited Change (A2 Only)

17Selection & Evolution (A2 Only)

18Classification & Conservation (A2 Only)

19Genetic Technology (A2 Only)

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium