Define Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in the U.S. before effective antibiotic medicines were discovered in the 1940s.

Symptoms

• Common tuberculosis symptoms include mild fever, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats and headaches. Tuberculosis in the lungs may cause breathing difficulties, chest pain and intense coughing.

The TB Bacterium

• The Mycobactrium tuberculosis germ causes most cases of TB. An infected individual spreads the disease through airborne droplets.

Risk Factors

• Most TB patients contract the disease from family members, co-workers and friends. Individuals with suppressed immune systems have a greater risk for infection.

Treatment

• Medications typically prescribed to tuberculosis patients include isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF) and pyrazinamide (PZA). It generally takes six months to one year to destroy all of the tuberculosis bacteria.

Considerations

• The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that about one-third of the global population carries the TB infection. According to MayoClinic.com, tuberculosis kills about 2 million people worldwide every year.