Tuberkuloositartunta

Tuberkuloositartunta, commonly known as tuberculosis infection, is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also impact other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. The infection spreads through airborne droplets when an individual with active tuberculosis coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

The majority of people exposed to the bacteria do not develop active disease; instead, they may develop a latent tuberculosis infection characterized by the presence of bacteria in the body without symptoms or contagiousness. If the immune system weakens, latent infections can reactivate, leading to active tuberculosis disease.

Symptoms of active tuberculosis can include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, and fever. Diagnosis involves a combination of skin tests (Tuberculin skin test), blood tests, chest X-rays, and microbiological analysis of sputum samples.

Tuberculosis is preventable and treatable. Prevention strategies include vaccination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), adequate ventilation, and prompt treatment of active cases to reduce transmission. The standard treatment involves a lengthy course of multiple antibiotics typically spanning six to nine months.

Despite global efforts, tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources. Multidrug-resistant strains pose additional difficulties in treatment. Early detection and adherence to treatment protocols are essential in controlling the spread of tuberculosis and reducing its health impact worldwide.