By Fortunate Masikati- Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection, usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that primarily attacks the lungs but can also affect other organs like the brain, spine, and kidneys. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or sings, and while it often remains latent (inactive), it can become active, causing severe illness.

Key symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough (sometimes with blood), fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue, and it’s treated with a long course of specific antibiotics.

*What causes it?
Bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Transmission : Airborne droplets from an infected person’s coughs, sneezes, or even talking.
Latent vs. Active: Most people infected don’t get sick (latent TB), but the bacteria can reactivate later, causing active TB, especially if the immune system weakens.

Symptoms of active TB
Respiratory: Cough lasting over 3 weeks, coughing up blood or mucus, chest pain.
Systemic: Fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss.
Other areas (if TB spreads): Swollen glands, body aches, headache, confusion, stiff neck, dark urine (if kidneys affected).

Risk factors
Contact with an infected person.
Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS).
Living or working in crowded conditions.
Coming from countries where TB is common.

Treatment
Antibiotics: A long regimen (6-9 months or more) of specific medications is necessary to cure TB.

Importance of completion: Stopping treatment early can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is much harder to treat.