Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium //Mycobacterium tuberculosis,// which is a pathogen that falls within the Mycobacterium genus. It is an aerial borne disease (contraction of which is as simple as breathing in the bacteria from someone infected with it, via their coughing, sneezing, or essentially just breathing in your immediate vicinity) on account of the fact that //mycobacterium tuberculosis// actually requires oxygen in order to even grow. Perhaps unbeknown by the majority of the population, not everyone infected with tuberculosis is prone to the side-effects commonly associated with it.The reason being, contraction of //mycobacterium tuberculosis// has the potential to result in one of two conditions, only one of which is actually harmful.This harmful condition is known as __TB Disease;__ it is better known amongst the general public of the two conditions and rightly so, as it is the one that provokes physical symptoms and is contagious. The other condition is called __Latent TB Infection,__ and though it may not be harmful initially it has the potential to activate over time, developing into full-fledged __ TB Disease __ as well, should adequate treatment fail to be obtained.
 * What is Tuberculosis?**



**Primary symptoms associated with TB Disease are listed below:**
 * Chronic cough (that is, a cough that spans 3 weeks or longer)
 * Chest pain
 * Coughing up blood or sputum (a mixture of saliva and mucus)
 * Fatigue
 * Weight loss
 * Loss of appetite
 * Night sweats
 * Fever
 * Chills

**Primary target(s):**
 * __ TB Disease __ generally attacks the lungs, although it has been known to affect other parts of the body too. This includes the lymph nodes, kidneys, urinary tracts, bones, spine, and even the brain in some cases.

**Risk factor(s):** //The chances of developing active __ TB Disease __ [it may be present but not active in the other condition, Latent TB Infection, though capable of becoming active at any given time] are increased in individuals for which any of the following are true [on account of the fact that most factors contribute to the gradual decay of the immune system, which is essential in the fight against TB bacteria]://
 * Has an already weakened immune system (whether it be due to disease or an alternate condition, e.g.: AIDS/HIV, diabetes)
 * TB Infection is recent (contracted within the last two years)
 * Abuses alcohol or illegal drugs
 * Has not been treated correctly for TB in the past
 * Are either an infant or adolescent
 * Elderly
 * Work in a health care facility



//Fortunately, there is treatment available which has been proven effective in combating __TB Disease__, given prudent adherence (over the span of a minimum of 6-9 months) to a regimen that entails utilization of one of the 10 drugs currently available for treatment of __ TB Disease __. Most prominent amongst said drugs in regards to adequate treatment are as follows://


 * isoniazid (INH)
 * rifampin (RIF)
 * ethambutol (EMB)
 * pyrazinamide (PZA)

Avoiding contact with individuals harboring TB bacteria is the only surefire way to negate infection. Of course, it is not as though those who are go around with neon signs on their heads proclaiming as much (they might not even be aware themselves!) Therefore, the following vaccination is ideal for those of us who aren't able to determine prematurely whether or not our company is carrying the bacteria. __ Bacille Calmette-Gurin (BCG) __
 * But is it possible? **

This is the only vaccine currently available for treating TB Disease and is used most commonly as a means of prevention of severe forms of TB in young children. It has yet to gain widespread popularity in North America, however, due to what appears to be limited effectiveness in truly preventing TB Disease in the long run.

**Bibliography** [|Image 3] [|Basic TB Facts] [|Tuberculosis - Diseases and Conditions] [|Vaccination Information] [|Health Canada] [|Mycobacterium tuberculosis information]