Guide Note
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The infection mostly affects the lungs but can also negatively impact the central nervous system. Although incidence of the disease has decreased over time, tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide.1
Fast Facts
- Also known as TB, "Consumption"
- 1/3 of world's population carries the bacterium1
- Every second, someone is infected1
- 5-10% of people infected demonstrate symptoms1
- Symptoms: coughing, weight loss, fever, night sweats
- Cause discovered by Robert Koch2
- Can be deadly
- Latent form most common
- XDR TB (extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis) develops if treatments are not conducted properly
Transmission
When a person suffering from tuberculosis coughs or sneezes, they send infectious aerosol droplets out into the air. If another person inhales even one of these infected droplets, they can contract the disease. At particular risk are children, those suffering from Immunodeficiency|immunodeficiency or compromised immune systems, and anyone exposed to infected persons on an ongoing basis, such as health care workers.
Famous Sufferers
Tuberculosis in Culture
Owing to its highly infectious and fatal nature, the disease has inspired a variety of folk explanations, remedies and treatments throughout human history. In the 18th century, dying of tuberculosis was widely considered to be "romantic," a cleansing of the soul that led to a burst of creative inspiration and a general feeling of euphoria.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Tuberculosis, please consult your doctor.
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World Tuberculosis Day | Bacterial Infections | Bacteria | HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) | AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) | Fever | Cough | Weight Loss | Addison's Disease | Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) | XDR TB
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