Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Tuberculosis (TB), also known colloquially as the "white death", or historically as consumption, [7] is a contagious disease usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria. [1] Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. [1]
A misconception is that M. tuberculosis can be spread by shaking hands, making contact with toilet seats, sharing food or drink, or sharing toothbrushes. However, major spread is through air droplets originating from a person who has the disease either coughing, sneezing, speaking, or singing. [17]
If and when a person’s immune system becomes compromised, like with AIDS or with aging, the Ghon focus can become reactivated, and the infection can spread to either one or both upper lobes of the lungs, it’s thought that this is because oxygenation is greatest in these areas, and TB being an aerobe, prefers areas of greater oxygenation.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most common cause of both pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculous lymphadenitis. [1] [6] Historically, transmission of Mycobacterium bovis from dairy consumption was another frequent cause of tuberculous lymphadenitis, but incidence has drastically decreased in developed countries since the advent of pasteurization and other efforts to prevent bovine ...
Tuberculosis can also spread through the blood from the primary focus to elsewhere in the abdomen. Abdominal solid organs, kidneys, lymph nodes and peritoneum can be affected this way. [ 2 ] Tuberculosis is also reported to spread to the peritoneum directly from adjacently situated infected foci, such as from the fallopian tubes, adnexa, psoas ...
[citation needed] "When a person develops active TB (disease), the symptoms (cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss etc.) may be mild for many months. This can lead to delays in seeking care, and results in transmission of the bacteria to others." [11] Tuberculosis does not always settle in the lungs.
Bacteria enter the body through inhalation and are ingested by white blood cells called macrophages. [1] Surviving bacteria multiply and can spread to other areas of the body. This can occur through the lymphatic system , blood, or via direct spread from infected tissues.
Inhalation of these pathogens affects the respiratory system and can then spread to the rest of the body. Sinus congestion, coughing and sore throats are examples of inflammation of the upper respiratory airway. Air pollution plays a significant role in airborne diseases. Pollutants can influence lung function by increasing air way inflammation ...