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Tuberculosis, also
abbreviated TB, is an infectious disease caused by several types of
mycobacteria, specially the mycobacterium
tuberculosis
that most often - but not always - affect the lungs
causing pulmonary tuberculosis.
TB can be transmitted from person to person through the air. If the infection
spreads beyond the lungs, the symptoms will be determined by the organs
affected.
Most cases are
asymptomatic.TB get worse in people
with compromised or weak immune system.
There are two types of TB:
- Latent TB, which means people have the bacteria but not symptoms and do not
transmit the disease.
- Active TB, where the symptoms are manifested. First months they can be mild
and not easy to recognize without tests. Patients can die if not treated. Cough
with sputum and/or blood is typical of lung TB.
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