TB

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB can affect almost any part of the body, and it is spread through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. It's important to understand the different types of TB that exist so that you can recognize symptoms and get early treatment. Let's explore microbially, clinically diagnosed, and Military TB .  Microbiologically Diagnosed TB: Microbiologically diagnosed TB refers to a form of TB where bacteria have been identified in lab tests taken from a patient. The most common type of lab test used for this is sputum microscopy, which involves looking at samples taken from a patient’s lungs under a microscope. Other tests include X-rays and CT scans to look for signs of infection in other parts of the body.  Clinically Diagnosed TB: Clinically diagnosed TB occurs when a doctor diagnoses someone with active TB based on their symptoms rather than by having bact

It's no secret that the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has caused an unprecedented pandemic. One of the most alarming aspects of this virus is how it can cause respiratory illnesses—such as pneumonia and bronchitis—as well as extra-pulmonary (i.e., outside the lungs) symptoms. In this blog post, we'll look at the differences between pulmonary and extra-pulmonary symptoms of COVID-19 and why these distinctions are important. What Are Pulmonary Symptoms?   Pulmonary symptoms refer to those that affect the respiratory system, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. These symptoms have been commonly associated with COVID-19 due to the virus’s ability to attack cells in the lungs; however, not all patients experience these more common pulmonary symptoms. What are Extra-Pulmonary Symptoms?   Extra-pulmonary symptoms refer to those that occur outside of the lungs or respiratory system. These could include headaches, dizziness, loss of

It's estimated that the disease Tuberculosis (TB) affects nearly 10 million people every year. TB is a preventable and curable infection, yet it remains one of the top 10 causes of death globally. However, there is hope — with access to accurate information, effective treatments, and support from local communities, we can take action against TB. Let’s discuss what that action looks like.  Tuberculosis Prevention & Treatment  The most effective way to stop the spread of TB is by preventing it from occurring in the first place. This starts with awareness — education about TB transmission and how it can be prevented is key. People should also be encouraged to seek treatment if they are showing symptoms or think they may have been exposed to someone with TB. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing further spread of the disease and providing a better outcome for those receiving care.  In addition to prevention and treatment efforts, we must also ensure that peop

Tuberculosis, or TB, is an airborne infectious disease that affects the lungs. It has been a major cause of illness and death for centuries, but it can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, before treatment can begin, it is important to diagnose the right type of TB in order to ensure that the patient receives the best care possible. In this blog post, we will discuss the three types of presumptive TB: Pulmonary TB , extra-pulmonary TB, and pediatric TB.  Presumptive Pulmonary TB   Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is the most common form of TB. It typically affects the lungs and can cause symptoms such as coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and weight loss. A presumptive diagnosis of PTB is made when a patient has signs and symptoms consistent with PTB but has not yet had a positive test result for mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria that causes TB). Treatment begins immediately upon diagnosis to help reduce further spread of infection.  Presumptiv