Customer question:
Is Tuberculosis deadly? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Tuberculosis is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In most cases, especially if detected in time and adequately treated, Tuberculosis is not fatal.
However, if left untreated or treated inappropriately, it can cause severe complications and can even be fatal. Tuberculosis infection can affect the lungs and other organs in the body.
The prevalence of Tuberculosis and the risk of death depend on various factors, including the speed with which the correct diagnosis is made, treatment started, the general health of the individual, and the form of Tuberculosis. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to severe complications and have a higher risk of death.
What causes jet lag?
Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). This is a mycobacterium transmitted by droplets in the air and most often affects the lungs, leading to the development of pulmonary Tuberculosis. The bacterium M. tuberculosis can also affect other body parts, causing various forms of the disease, such as Tuberculosis of the kidneys, bones, brain, joints, and other organs.
The bacterium M. tuberculosis can be transmitted through tiny droplets released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. For this reason, the most common method of transmission is the drip method.
The tuberculosis bacterium can also survive in a dry and resistant environment, contributing to its stability outside the host organism.
How long does Tuberculosis take?
Treatment for Tuberculosis (TB) usually takes several months and involves a combination of antibiotics that are effective against the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The duration of treatment depends on several factors, including the type of Tuberculosis, the level of infection, the presence of any concurrent medical problems, and the individual's response to treatment.
How common is Tuberculosis?
The prevalence varies worldwide and is related to various factors such as socioeconomic conditions, access to health care, hygiene conditions, and vaccination rates. Despite advances in treatment and prevention, Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global public health problem. Vaccination with the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine affects the rate of Tuberculosis in different countries. Nevertheless, vaccination does not guarantee complete protection against infection, so other preventive measures are still necessary.
Interesting reading: Tuberculosis symptoms
Interesting reading: Vaccine against Tuberculosis
