Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis
By
Dr. Ameer kadhim Hussein
M.B.Ch.B. FICMS (Community Medicine)

TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can affect other sites as well (extra pulmonary TB). The disease is spread in the air when people who are sick with pulmonary TB expel bacteria for example by coughing.
TB is also more common among men than women, and affects mostly adults in the economically productive age groups.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex which include :
M. Tuberculosis.
M. Bovis.
M. Africanum.
M. Microti.
M. Canetti.
TB spread from person to person through the air via droplet nuclei.
M. tuberculosis may be expelled when an infectious person (Cough, Sneeze, Speaks, Sings).
Transmission occurs when another person inhales droplet nuclei.
Probability that TB will be transmitted depends on:
1. Infectiousness of person with TB disease.
2. Environment in which exposure occurred.
3. Length of exposure.
4. Virulence (strength) of the tubercle bacilli.
The best way to stop transmission is to:
1. Isolate infectious persons.
2. Provide effective treatment to infectious persons as soon as possible.