Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, spine, and kidneys. TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that spreads through the air when a person with TB coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough that lasts for more than three weeks, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. TB can be treated with a combination of antibiotics, but treatment may last for 6-9 months.
TB is a significant public health issue worldwide, especially in developing countries where it is a leading cause of death. It is estimated that over 1.4 million people die from TB each year, and around 10 million people develop the disease.
In the healthcare industry, TB is diagnosed through tests such as the tuberculin skin test and the TB blood test. Chest X-rays and other imaging tests can also be used to diagnose TB.
Prevention of TB includes vaccination with the BCG vaccine, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with people who have TB. Healthcare workers, particularly those who work in high-risk settings such as hospitals and clinics, are at an increased risk of contracting TB and should take preventive measures such as wearing protective gear and getting screened regularly.
Tuberculosis TB
Health Care Term
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, spine, and kidneys. TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that spreads through the air when a person with TB coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough that lasts for more than three weeks, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. TB can be treated with a combination of antibiotics, but treatment may last for 6-9 months.
TB is a significant public health issue worldwide, especially in developing countries where it is a leading cause of death. It is estimated that over 1.4 million people die from TB each year, and around 10 million people develop the disease.
In the healthcare industry, TB is diagnosed through tests such as the tuberculin skin test and the TB blood test. Chest X-rays and other imaging tests can also be used to diagnose TB.
Prevention of TB includes vaccination with the BCG vaccine, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with people who have TB. Healthcare workers, particularly those who work in high-risk settings such as hospitals and clinics, are at an increased risk of contracting TB and should take preventive measures such as wearing protective gear and getting screened regularly.