Tuberculosis is produced by the pathogen called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT. It spreads by the inhalation of the aerosols. Size of each droplet is less than 5 microns which contains 4 to 5 bacilli. Mycobacterium belongs to the mycobacteriaceae family. The name mycobacterium is given because the bacteria looks like mycelium and also it contains a unique substance in its cell wall called mycolic acid. It is a non-motile, non sporing, non capsulated bacteria. Mycobacteria are also called as Acid fast. This is because they are resistant to decolorization. The name tuberculosis comes from the word tubercle which means round nodule, therefore tuberculosis means multiple round nodules. TB is transmitted through inhalation and that how it gains access to lungs. About 1/3 of world population are infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis, only 5 to 10 person of them develop TB diseases. Mycobacteria is slow growing.
The main feature of tuberculosis is that it is an obligate aerobic bacillus, which means it requires oxygen to grow. This is the reason it prefers to go to the lungs. Primary infection usually occurs in the lower or middle lobes of the lungs, while reactivated it occurs in the upper lobes. TB is a facultative intracellular organism, means they can live inside other cells when they need. Tuberculosis infects the macrophages. Tuberculosis kills the macrophage and spills TB in the lung instead of growing. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a human adapted pathogen with no environment reservoir.
Stages of Tuberculosis:
 Latent TB:
It is the phase when bacteria enters the body but remains asymptomatic. At this stage, the TB infection will not spread to the other person. People who are having good immunity can overcome this phase successfully. In this stage, the immune system either kills the mycobacteria or make it to remain inactive.
 TB Disease:
Latent Tuberculosis become active TB when the person’s immune gets compromised. This phase is called as TB diseases. There will be symptoms in this stage and even spreads to the other person. Symptoms include persistent cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue and weakness. In this stage TB disease also spreads to other parts of the body in the infected person. Spread through the vascular system is also possible which will lead to infection of other tissues in the body. This is known as military TB. TB diseases can spread to heart, spine, etc.
Diagnosis is usually made through the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST). It is done through a subcutaneous injection of purified protein derivative PPD. The diagnosis is made on the bases of the diameter of induration. So for the diagnosis, after screening if it comes positive then chest x-ray can be done. Preventive measures include better nutrition, using masks and other respiratory isolation procedures. Tuberculosis can occur to people of any age. Risk of being infected by TB decreases by avoiding contact with TB infected people and increase immunity.
Dr.Ravi Kiran is the best doctor for treating Tuberculosis infected people. He has more than 15 years of experience as a infectious disease specialist. He is currently working in the Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. Dr.Ravi Kiran gives prompt identification and adequate treatment.
Contact:
Dr.Ravi Kiran
Ph No :+919581398868
https://drravikiran.com/tuberculosis/
