Active tuberculosis

Active Tuberculosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also impact other parts of the body. Active tuberculosis is characterized by the manifestation of symptoms, as opposed to latent tuberculosis, which is asymptomatic.

Etiology

Active tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is spread from person to person through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

Symptoms

Symptoms of active tuberculosis include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. In some cases, the disease may cause chest pain or coughing up blood.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of active tuberculosis typically involves a tuberculin skin test or a blood test. Imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or a CT scan may also be used. In some cases, a sputum test may be performed to identify the bacteria.

Treatment

Treatment for active tuberculosis usually involves taking several antibiotics for a long period of time. The most commonly used drugs are isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. It's crucial to take the medications as prescribed to prevent the development of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for active tuberculosis include vaccination with the BCG vaccine, early detection and treatment of infected individuals, and the use of preventive therapy for those at high risk.

See also

• Tuberculosis diagnosis
• Tuberculosis treatment
• Tuberculosis prevention
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Latent tuberculosis