What is tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, spine, and kidneys.

Here are seven possible consequences of tuberculosis:

1. Respiratory problems: TB primarily affects the lungs and can cause symptoms such as cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can cause lung damage and respiratory failure.
2. Spread of infection: TB is highly contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread through contaminated food or water.
3. Increased risk of other infections: People with TB are more susceptible to other infections, as the bacteria can weaken the immune system.
4. Miliary tuberculosis: This is a severe form of TB that occurs when the bacteria spread throughout the body and causes small lesions in various organs. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
5. Spinal tuberculosis: This is a form of TB that affects the spine and can cause back pain, spinal deformity, and nerve damage.
6. Drug-resistant tuberculosis: TB can become resistant to antibiotics if it is not treated correctly. Drug-resistant TB is more difficult to treat and can be more severe than regular TB.
7. Death: TB can be fatal if not treated promptly and effectively. According to the World Health Organization, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.