What is tuberculosis?--
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by organism called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

What is the most common form of T.B.?--
The most common form of T.B. is pulmonary (involving the lungs) .however with some exceptions T.B. can affect almost any organ of the body.

How is it transmitted?--
Most common form of transmission is airborne. Whenever a patient of open T.B. coughs/sneezes the infected droplet nuclei are produced. Brief exposure to these is unlikely to result into disease. For disease to develop a prolonged contact is generally required. However for an immunocompromised patient( e.g. AIDS) even brief exposure may be dangerous.

What is primary infection / focus?--
When a person gets exposed to the tubercle bacteria for the first time he develops primary infection/focus. his focus can get reactivated later in life as the bacilli lie dormant. Due to the high incidence of TB in India this is seen in almost every child. Most primary infections heal spontaneously. Some may cause full fledged disease which is then known as progressive primary complex.

How does T.B. occur in adults?--

1. Reactivation of the old primary focus--This can occur due to lowering of immunity. It is the most common cause of T.B. in adults.
2. Reinfection with newly acquired bacilli.

How is T.B.(pulmonary) diagnosed?--

The basic test done for pulmonary test is sputum for AFB.In this the sputum is examined for AFB (Acid Fast Bacilli--i.e. TB bacilli)

Other useful tests are--Mantoux Test--In this tubercle bacillary protein is injected & the response to it is seen. It is not diagnostic but does provide useful information. The basis of the test is that if the person is previously exposed to tubercle bacilli then the body will show a reaction to the injected protein.

What are the symptoms?--

• Cough with expectoration for more than 3 weeks not responding to the usual antibiotics.
• Low grade fever especially in the evening for a period of 3 weeks or more.
• Sweaty nights.
• Loss of weight.
• Blood in sputum.

The above symptoms do not necessarily mean TB; but only that it is very likely.

What is BCG vaccine?--

BCG vaccine is a vaccine prepared from Bacille Calmette Guerin bacilli. These bacilli are specially grown for vaccination purpose. The protective value of BCG against TB has been hotly debated. Though it may not prevent primary infection ;but it definitely prevents serious forms of TB in children. Hence it is a must for every new born.

What is the treatment of TB?--

Today we have a very effective treatment for TB. The standard course for pulmonary TB is of 6 months.

Things to be kept in mind when on treatment--

1. If at any time there is jaundice contact the physician immediately. This can be due to the drugs. However there is nothing to panic. It can taken care of quite easily.
2. The symptoms decrease rapidly. The patient may feel perfectly fine after only 1-2 months of treatment. However the treatment should be taken for the complete period of 6 months.
3. The urine becomes red due to the drugs.
4. TB is fully curable.

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