Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Symptoms

People infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is also referred to as TB, can either have latent infections, which are asymptomatic, or active infections, which result in a variety of symptoms. Once people start to show symptoms of tuberculosis disease, they are able to spread it to others; fortunately, medications are available to manage and cure this disease. Consider this information derived from the Mayo Clinic, the Textbook of Bacteriology and the National Library of Medicine about the symptoms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Cough

• People with tuberculosis disease usually develop a persistent cough that lasts for three weeks or longer. Those with tuberculosis may expel blood during coughing attacks. People with active tuberculosis infections may spread the bacteria by coughing onto surfaces or in close proximity to others, such as on an airplane.

Fatigue

• Active tuberculosis infections may cause people to feel tired, even after getting a good night's rest. People with tuberculosis may have weakness in their muscles, which can make normal daily activities or exercise difficult to perform. Fatigue may be worse in people who are malnourished or have additional medical disorders such as HIV infection.

Fever

• People with active tuberculosis infections may develop a fever that can last for several weeks. The fever may be accompanied by chills and a general feeling of illness and discomfort. People with tuberculosis may also sweat at night, which can cause difficulty sleeping.

Organ Damage

• Although tuberculosis usually stays confined within the lungs, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause damage. Tuberculosis that spreads into the kidneys can result in kidney dysfunction and blood in the urine. Tuberculosis may also infect the brain and bones and cause neurological disorders, tissue loss and joint damage.

Pain

• People with tuberculosis may experience pain that persists for the duration of active disease. Pain may be made worse by coughing or performing physical activity or exercise. Tuberculosis that has spread into the bones may cause severe pain and death of the bone if left untreated.

Weight Loss

• Tuberculosis disease may cause loss of appetite, and some medications used to treat tuberculosis may also cause loss of appetite and nausea. The loss of appetite can lead to unintended weight loss in people with tuberculosis. People who are already malnourished may be more susceptible to becoming infected with tuberculosis and developing active disease.