This essay discusses the pathology and prevention of tuberculosis. The pathology of tuberculosis encompasses its pathogenesis, symptoms, tests, and treatment. Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection that usually attacks the lungs. It can also spread to the brain and spine. The bacteria that causes TB is the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are two types of TB: latent TB; Inactive TB infection as the bacteria is inactive, causes no symptoms, and isn’t contagious. Active TB; The germs multiply, make you sick, and can spread the disease to others. Latent TB if not treated early can turn into active TB. Therefore, early diagnosis is vital in the prevention of tuberculosis. The bacteria spread through the air from one person to another. TB is neither spread by shaking hands nor sharing food and drinks.
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOSIS
Signs and symptoms are an important aspect of the pathology of tuberculosis. Latent TB doesn’t have symptoms. Signs of active TB include cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. The two common tests for tuberculosis are Skin test; A technician injecting a small amount of fluid into the lower arm skin and check for swelling after 2 or 3 days. Blood test; Measure of the response when TB proteins are mixed with a small amount of one’s blood. The doctor determines the type of TB if results are positive. Several tests are recommended to avoid false results. In case of the presence of the above symptoms, it is advisable to go to the hospital for confirmation as early tests can impact the prevention of tuberculosis.
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TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF TUBERCULOSIS
Treatment and prevention of tuberculosis are important to society at large. Active, drug-susceptible TB is treated with a standard 6-month course of 4 antimicrobial drugs; ethambutol, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin. Latent TB is treated with a standard 9 months course of drugs; Isoniazid, rifapentine, or rifampin, either alone or combined. The drugs administered is determined by the type of TB. Patients with TB can contain the spread by taking medications, limiting contact with other people, covering one’s mouth while sneezing or coughing, and wearing a surgical mask. TB vaccine, BCG is recommended for children living with someone who has an active TB infection with a very drug-resistant strain or who can’t take antibiotics. Other vaccines are being developed and tested. The creation of awareness on the pathology of tuberculosis is vital.
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