Definition
The term tuberculosis often contracted to TB is used to describe an infection that is spread via the breathing or ingestion of tubercle bacilli. It is a widespread and frequently fatal infectious illness that is attributed to mycobacteria, with particular spot light on the mycobacterium tuberculosis. Generally, the disease is manifested in the lungs through fever and minute lesions in the lungs. However, in advanced stages the lesions may manifest in various organs of the body. The disease is not only restricted to the lungs. It can as well attack the body’s central nervous system, the genital and urinary system, the lymphatic system, the digestive system, the skin, ligaments and even bones.
Causes
There are several causes that result in the multiplication of the harmful and deadly bacteria that cause the spread of tuberculosis. With the aid of research, scientists have been able to come up with a number of risk factors that will elevate the chance of individual developing fully developed tuberculosis. The first in this long list of risk factors is being in close contact with an infected person. The bacteria spreads from one person to another through microscopic droplets of mucus or saliva that are released into the air once an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks or laughs. This therefore means that even though the disease is a potential killer, it is not particularly easy to contract for, example if one sat next a person with the disease for a short period of time for example in a bus.
The risk factors that are associated with TB are especially evident in persons that exhibit alcoholic tendencies. Additionally, a habitual smoker is at more risk of acquiring tuberculosis because there pulmonary system is weakened by the inhalation of smoke over a long period of time. Added to this is exposure to cold, which is a common cause or risk factor especially for people that are homeless and are highly exposed to cold conditions. Sleeping out in the cold for such individuals especially during winter and the rainy season, which usually occurs during early spring, exposes them to the cold, which increases the density of the bacteria in the air. Living or prolonged exposure inside rooms that are stuffy and crowded over a long period of time could lead to a person being infected. Another major cause is HIV infection, which is known to weaken the immune system thus exposing the body to the bacteria.