đŠ Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick with symptomsâŁ.
đ Tuberculosis became epidemic in Europe in the 17th, 18th, & 19th centuries. As the disease swept across all of Europe, it was named the White Plague of Europe. This probably referred to the pallor (paleness) associated with people with TB.
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đŁ SpreadâŁ
TB bacteria are spread through the air from one person to another.âŁ
When a person breathes in TB bacteria, the bacteria can settle in the lungs and begin to incubate (grow). âŁ
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đ Signs and SymptomsâŁ
Chronic cough (> 3 weeks)âŁ
Chest painâŁ
Blood in sputumâŁ
Fever/chills/ night sweatsâŁ
WeaknessâŁ
Weight lossâŁ
Loss of appetiteâŁ
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đŹ Testing for TBâŁ
TB skin TestâŁ
Blood testâŁ
Imaging (X ray/CT/MRI)âŁ
AFB smear - microscopic examination of tissue for acid fast bacilli âŁ
đ When there is extensive caseation (cheese-like) and granulation of lung tissue it can become necrotic and form cavities (holes) as seen in the image. Cavitation is most commonly seen in the upper lobes. âŁ
đ Treatment
TB disease can be treated by taking several drugs for 6 to 9 months.âŁ
First-line anti-TB agents âŁ
isoniazid (INH)âŁ
rifampin (RIF)âŁ
ethambutol (EMB)âŁ
pyrazinamide (PZA)âŁ
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â It is very important that people who have TB disease are treated, finish the medicine, and take the drugs exactly as prescribed. If taken incorrectly the bacteria can become resistant to the current treatments making it more difficult and expensive to treat.âŁ
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