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What Is a Tuberculosis Strand?

Tuberculosis is a dangerous disease that affects millions of people worldwide; it is often highly contagious. There are two main strands of tuberculosis. One is an active infective, and the other is not.

  1. Active Tuberculosis

    • Active tuberculosis (TB) is a strand of TB that reproduces bacteria within an individual. The disease spreads rapidly through an individual's lungs, joints, kidney and occasionally enters the spine or brain.

    Effects

    • Active tuberculosis is the type that is fatal and very infectious. TB is a bacterial disease that spreads through fluid and can survive in the air for hours. It can create a blockage in the lungs that causes individuals to suffocate.

    Inactive Tuberculosis

    • Inactive TB is a strand that will infect an individual without spreading. TB infections like this are the most common. An individual with a TB infection has an immune system that is strong enough to stop the bacteria from spreading or multiplying.

    Effects

    • Inactive TB will remain in an individual's system for the rest of his life. If the individual's immune system is compromised or weakened, the TB infection may begin to spread and become active and contagious.

    Considerations

    • Tuberculosis is a deadly disease. According to the World Health Organization, there were a million deaths caused by TB in 2006. Individuals who have active or inactive TB should seek immediate medical care for antibiotics and information on how to protect themselves.

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