Tuberculosis
Jada Shuntrice Edwards
Tuberculosis is......
Is commonly known as TB, but its scientific name is Mycobacterium Tuberculosis . TB is a bacterial infection that can spread through the lymph nodes and bloodstream to any organ in your body. It is most often found in the lungs.
How can TB spread?
The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are transmitted through the air, the disease can be contagious. Infection is most likely to happen if you are exposed to someone with TB on a day-to-day basis.
The Most Common Victims
- TB mostly affects adults in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk.
- People who are infected with HIV are 20 to 30 times more likely to develop active TB.
- Tobacco use greatly increases the risk of TB disease and death.
Tuberculosis is Mostly Found in...
TB is mostly found in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia and Eastern Europe and Russia countries.
Tuberculosis Symptoms
- Overall sensation of feeling unwell
- Cough, possibly with bloody mucus
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Low-grade fever
- Night sweats
- Chest pain when breathing
Tuberculosis Treatment
Treatment for TB depends on whether it is active or latent.
Latent TB Infection
If you have TB but don't have the active disease, your doctor will go over your risk factors for developing active TB and will discuss treatment options. An antibiotic called Isoniazid is often prescribed to help prevent the dormant infection from becoming active.
Interesting Characteristics About Tuberculosis
About 80% of reported TB cases occurred in 22 countries in 2014. TB occurs in every part of the world. 58% of new TB cases occurred in in the South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions in 2014. Africa carries the most severe burden, with 281 cases per 100 000 population in 2014 (compared with a global average of 133).