What is tuberculosis?
By, Independent.ie, July 17, 2007
TUBERCULOSIS (TB) is a respiratory condition caused by infection by my cobacterium tuberculosis.
TB was a major public health problem in Ireland up until the 1950s, when improved living conditions and the availability of an effective vaccine and antibiotics reduced the prevalence and mortality rate of the disease.
At present there are approximately 400 cases reported annually in Ireland.
TB is a contagious disease. The bacterium is spread in the tiny droplets that come from an infected person when coughing or sneezing. When these droplets are inhaled into the lungs by another person, infection can develop, particularly in those with a weakened immune system.
It is estimated that a person with undiagnosed TB can infect 10 people each year on average. The typical symptoms of TB are persistent coughing, fatigue and weight loss.
Diagnosis can usually be made by chest X-ray and confirmed by taking a sample from the patient to determine the presence of the bacteria.
The mortality rate of TB is low (about three per cent in Ireland), when correctly treated by a combination of antibiotics. Although it is no longer universally used, the BCG vaccine is an important element in TB control, particularly when used in targeted groups.
TB occurs as an opportunistic infection in people infected with HIV. There is also a higher incidence of TB amongst immigrant communities. It is estimated that three million people die each year from the disease.
Symptoms:
Persistent coughing and sputum production. The sputum (saliva and mucus) may contain blood. Fever, fatigue, weight-loss and sweats.
Treatment:
Once contracted, TB is treated with a combination of three to four antibiotics for a period of up to six months. The choice of antibiotic may be varied to avoid drug resistance. Patient adherence to the complicated treatment regime can be poor – some patients may require intensive supervision.
Prevention:
The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is an injection of live, weakened bacteria that stimulates an immune response against the disease.
Source: http://www.independent.ie/health/questions-answers/what-is-tuberculosis-1038998.html
TUBERCULOSIS (TB) is a respiratory condition caused by infection by my cobacterium tuberculosis.
TB was a major public health problem in Ireland up until the 1950s, when improved living conditions and the availability of an effective vaccine and antibiotics reduced the prevalence and mortality rate of the disease.
At present there are approximately 400 cases reported annually in Ireland.
TB is a contagious disease. The bacterium is spread in the tiny droplets that come from an infected person when coughing or sneezing. When these droplets are inhaled into the lungs by another person, infection can develop, particularly in those with a weakened immune system.
It is estimated that a person with undiagnosed TB can infect 10 people each year on average. The typical symptoms of TB are persistent coughing, fatigue and weight loss.
Diagnosis can usually be made by chest X-ray and confirmed by taking a sample from the patient to determine the presence of the bacteria.
The mortality rate of TB is low (about three per cent in Ireland), when correctly treated by a combination of antibiotics. Although it is no longer universally used, the BCG vaccine is an important element in TB control, particularly when used in targeted groups.
TB occurs as an opportunistic infection in people infected with HIV. There is also a higher incidence of TB amongst immigrant communities. It is estimated that three million people die each year from the disease.
Symptoms:
Persistent coughing and sputum production. The sputum (saliva and mucus) may contain blood. Fever, fatigue, weight-loss and sweats.
Treatment:
Once contracted, TB is treated with a combination of three to four antibiotics for a period of up to six months. The choice of antibiotic may be varied to avoid drug resistance. Patient adherence to the complicated treatment regime can be poor – some patients may require intensive supervision.
Prevention:
The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is an injection of live, weakened bacteria that stimulates an immune response against the disease.
Source: http://www.independent.ie/health/questions-answers/what-is-tuberculosis-1038998.html
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