tuberkuloosissa

Tuberkuloosi, often shortened to TB, is an infectious disease usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It most commonly affects the lungs, but can also attack other parts of the body such as the brain, spine, and kidneys. TB is spread through the air when a person with active lung TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing infectious droplets.

Most people infected with TB bacteria do not become sick and are said to have latent TB infection. In this state, the bacteria are present but do not cause symptoms, and the person is not contagious. However, without treatment, latent TB can progress to active TB disease. Active TB disease can be serious and even fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of active pulmonary TB can include a chronic cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

Diagnosis of TB typically involves a skin test or blood test to detect infection, followed by chest X-rays or other imaging techniques to check for lung involvement. Treatment for TB involves a course of antibiotics, usually for six months or longer. Completing the full course of treatment is crucial to cure the disease and prevent the development of drug-resistant TB. Prevention efforts include vaccination with BCG in some countries and public health initiatives to identify and treat infected individuals.