Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection FAQ
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
How is tuberculosis spread?
TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing bacteria into the air.
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?
Common symptoms include coughing, chest pain, weight loss, fever, and fatigue.
Is tuberculosis curable?
TB is curable with proper treatment using a combination of antibiotics for a specific duration.
Can tuberculosis be prevented?
Preventive measures include vaccination, identifying and treating latent TB infection, and reducing exposure to infected individuals.
How is tuberculosis diagnosed?
Diagnostic tests include skin tests, blood tests, sputum tests, and chest X-rays.
What are the treatments for tuberculosis?
TB is treated with a regimen of antibiotics for six to nine months, which may need to be adjusted based on drug resistance or other factors.
Can tuberculosis affect other organs besides the lungs?
Yes, TB can spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidney, spine, or brain.
Who is at risk of tuberculosis?
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk, as are individuals in close contact with TB patients.
Is tuberculosis contagious?
Yes, TB is contagious, especially in its active form, and can spread through the air to others.
What is the difference between latent TB infection and active TB disease?
Latent TB infection has no symptoms and is not contagious, while active TB disease has symptoms and can spread to others.
Can tuberculosis be fatal?
Without proper treatment, TB can be fatal. However, with timely and appropriate treatment, most cases are curable.
Is there a vaccine for tuberculosis?
Yes, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine can help prevent severe TB in children, but its effectiveness in adults is limited.
Should I get tested for tuberculosis if I have been in contact with a TB patient?
It is advisable to get tested for TB if you have been in close contact with an infected person to rule out any potential infection.
Can tuberculosis medication have side effects?
Yes, like all medications, TB drugs can have side effects, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Are there drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis?
Yes, drug-resistant TB occurs when the bacteria develop resistance to the antibiotics typically used to treat the infection, making the disease more challenging to cure.