Tuberculosis

Mostly affecting the lungs but able to reach other organs, tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease brought on by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Still a huge public health issue, especially in underdeveloped countries. When a sick individual coughs or sneezes, airborne droplets carry TB.
Typical symptoms include weight loss, coughing nonstop, fever, night sweats, and tiredness. Chest discomfort is another. Untreated TB can be lethal. Still, it is treatable with a rigorous treatment schedule usually spanning six months or more. Recommended by the WHO, the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) approach is the most efficient therapy.
Two types of TB exist: active TB, which is contagious and calls for quick medical intervention; and latent TB, in which the bacteria remain inactive without symptoms. A major difficulty is the rise in drug-resistant TB strains, including extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).
Vaccination with the BCG vaccine, early diagnosis, and guaranteeing treatment compliance are preventive actions. Reduced risk also results from good hygiene, appropriate ventilation, and a strong immune system. Global initiatives still centre on eradicating tuberculosis by means of awareness-raising campaigns, better access to healthcare, and investigation of novel therapies and vaccinations.