Also known as: Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is a potentially serious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can affect any organ. TB is curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Tuberculosis remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, causing approximately 1.3 million deaths annually. About one-quarter of the global population has latent TB infection.
Latent TB means the bacteria are present but dormant — the person is not infectious and has no symptoms. Active TB develops when the immune system can no longer contain the bacteria, with 5-10% lifetime reactivation risk.
Drug-susceptible TB is curable with 6 months of combination antibiotic therapy. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) requires longer, more complex treatment.
People with Tuberculosis often experience the following symptoms.
A persistent cough lasting 3 or more weeks, often producing sputum and sometimes blood (haemoptysis).
Night sweats, fever, weight loss, and fatigue — the classic systemic features of active TB.
Coughing up blood, which can range from blood-streaked sputum to significant bleeding.
TB can affect lymph nodes, bones, kidneys, meninges, and other organs, causing site-specific symptoms.
Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing Tuberculosis.
Common approaches to managing tuberculosis. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.
Isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for 2 months, then isoniazid and rifampicin for 4 months.
Isoniazid for 6-9 months, or rifampicin for 4 months, or isoniazid-rifapentine for 3 months to prevent reactivation.
Longer regimens (9-20 months) with second-line drugs including bedaquiline, linezolid, and fluoroquinolones.
Healthcare worker observes each dose to ensure adherence and prevent resistance development.
Sputum smear microscopy and culture (gold standard). GeneXpert MTB/RIF for rapid molecular diagnosis. Chest X-ray showing characteristic cavitary lesions. Tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assays for latent TB.
See a doctor if you have a cough lasting more than 3 weeks, especially with blood, night sweats, weight loss, or if you have been in contact with someone with TB.
Steps that may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening tuberculosis.
BCG vaccination (primarily for children)
Contact tracing and screening
Treatment of latent TB infection
Infection control measures
If left untreated or poorly managed, tuberculosis may lead to:
Yes. TB is the world's second deadliest infectious disease after COVID-19, with 10.6 million new cases annually.
Yes, drug-susceptible TB is curable with 6 months of antibiotics. Treatment completion is essential.
Active pulmonary TB spreads through airborne droplets. Latent TB is not contagious.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.