Tuberculosis
#97
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that primarily affects the lungs. TB is spread through germ droplets (coughing, sneezing, speaking) released into the air, which can then be breathed in by another person.
Types of TB
Symptoms vary based on the type of TB a person has.
Inactive/Latent TB infection: TB germs are in the body, but the affected individual doesn’t have any symptoms and can’t spread TB to others because their immune system keeps the bacteria dormant. If left untreated, it can develop into active TB disease.
Active TB disease: The immune system can’t stop the TB germs from multiplying; symptoms can affect the lungs, kidneys, brain, spine, and skin:
prolonged cough
coughing up blood or mucus
chest pain
weakness/fatigue
night sweats
weight loss
fever/chills
Treatment
TB can be treated and cured with antibiotics.
TB Throughout History
TB dates back to 9,000 years ago, with the first written descriptions originating in India and China. TB peaked in the 17th-19th century Europe and America, where it caused 25% of all deaths. Notable figures who contracted TB include George Orwell, English writer; Eleanor Roosevelt, former US first lady; and Frederic Chopin, Polish composer.
Today, TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, killing over 1 million people every year.
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