Is Tuberculosis Caused by Bacteria?

September 30, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Tuberculosis caused with bacteria

Yes, tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria. The specific bacterium responsible for TB is called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is a contagious and potentially serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, and nervous system.

M. tuberculosis is transmitted from person to person through the air when an infected individual with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, or talks. People nearby can inhale the bacteria, leading to infection. However, not everyone who becomes infected with M. tuberculosis will develop active TB disease. In many cases, the immune system is able to contain the bacteria in a latent or dormant state, and the person remains asymptomatic and non-contagious.

Active TB disease occurs when the immune system is unable to control the growth of M. tuberculosis, allowing it to multiply and cause symptoms. Common symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

TB is a treatable and curable disease with antibiotics, but it requires a lengthy course of medication (usually a combination of antibiotics) to ensure that all the bacteria are eliminated from the body. It’s important for individuals with TB to complete their full course of treatment to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of the bacteria.

TB remains a global health concern, and efforts to control and prevent its spread, including vaccination (with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin or BCG vaccine) and contact tracing, are important in reducing its impact on public health. If you suspect you have TB or have been in close contact with someone who has TB, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation and treatment promptly to prevent the further spread of the disease.

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