Mycobacterium Tuberculosis: A Complete Guide to Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment

 

Introduction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, one of the most dangerous infectious diseases in the world. This bacterium belongs to the genus Mycobacterium and is characterized by a thick, lipid-rich cell wall, which makes it resistant to disinfectants and the body’s immune defenses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis primarily attacks the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, bones, and brain. The disease spreads through the air when a person with active tuberculosis coughs, sneezes, or speaks, making it highly contagious within communities. Tuberculosis has a long medical and social history, and it continues to present challenges in control and treatment, despite the availability of effective drugs and preventive vaccines. Mycobacterium tuberculosis serves as a clear example of how a microscopic organism can have a profound impact on human health and society.

What is mycobacterium tuberculosis?

Causes tuberculosis (pulmonary and extra pulmonary)  . Hematogenous spread may result in extrapulmonary tuberculosis and milliary tuberculosis. Leading cause of death in the world from a bacterial infectious disease.  Affects 1.7 billion people/year equal to 1/3 of the world pop. The disease spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, laughs, or even speaks. Anyone nearby can breathe in these germs and become infected. However, not everyone who is exposed will get sick right away. Some people develop what is known as latent TB, which means the bacteria live quietly in the body without causing symptoms. Others may develop active TB, which is when the illness becomes serious and contagious. 

Haw is transmitted mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is transmitted from one person to another mainly through the air. When a person who has active TB in the lungs coughs, sneezes, talks, or even laughs, tiny droplets carrying the bacteria are released into the air. If another person nearby breathes in these droplets, they can become infected. TB does not spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, or touching surfaces, because the bacteria need to reach the lungs through inhalation. Crowded and poorly ventilated places increase the risk of transmission, making it easier for the disease to pass from one individual to another.

Sign and symptoms of TB

TB has two stages Latent and Active

1. Latent TB

• TB present in the body, usually have a positive skin test.

•  No symptoms, don’t fell well

•  Not infectious, can develop TB disease in later life

•  Sometimes antibiotics used at this stage to keep the TB infection from becoming disease

2. Active TB symptoms

•  Weight loss

•  Productive cough (for more than a month)

•  Chest pain

•  High fever

•  Night sweating

•  Hemoptysis

•  Loss of appetite

•  Chills

• Weakness/fatigue

• Active TB is highly infectious and spread by coughing, sneezing, laughing, singing or just talking

Risk factors

• Close contact with large populations of people, i.e., schools, nursing homes, dormitories, prisons, etc.

•  Poor nutrition, alcoholism, HIV infection, the predisposing factor.10 % of all HIV-positive individuals harbor M.TB.  This is 400-times the rate associated with the general public

• Chronic infections (Diabetes mellitus, lung damage)

• Previous exposure to mycobacterial infection

• Elderly/prisoners

Diagnosis

1. Radiographic procedures

The initial suspension often based on abnormal chest radiographic findings. The upper-lobe infiltrates and cavities in a patient with active tuberculosis. In the era of aids, no radiographic pattern can be considered pathognomonic.

2. Direct microcopy

Presumptive diagnosis is commonly based on AFB. Specimen: sputum, gastric washings, urine, pleural fluid, CSF, joint fluid, biopsy material, blood, and etc. early morning sputum specimens collected on 3 consecutive days, from a deep productive cough, give the best results.

3. Tuberculin skin test

Principle: detects delayed type hypersensitivity response to previous exposure of the host to tubercle bacilli.

Haw to treatment mycobacterium tuberculosis

The treatment of tuberculosis requires a long course of multiple antibiotics to completely eliminate the bacteria and prevent resistance. Patients are usually prescribed a combination of drugs such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for an initial intensive phase, followed by fewer drugs for a continuation phase lasting several months. It is very important for patients to take their medicines exactly as prescribed without stopping early, even if symptoms improve, because incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB. In cases of drug-resistant TB, second-line medications and longer treatment durations are needed, sometimes combined with newer drugs. Directly Observed Therapy, where healthcare workers monitor patients taking their medication, is often used to improve adherence and success rates. Alongside medication, supportive care such as proper nutrition, rest, and management of coexisting conditions like HIV is important for recovery.

Haw to prevention TB

•        General measures: pasteurization of milk

•        Case detection and prompt treatment

•        Treatment of latent tuberculosis – individual at high risk of developing active disease.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, tuberculosis remains a serious but treatable disease that requires timely diagnosis and strict adherence to a full course of medication. With proper treatment, most patients can be cured and go on to live healthy lives, while failure to complete therapy can result in dangerous drug resistance and ongoing transmission. Preventive measures, public awareness, and strong health systems are essential to controlling and ultimately eliminating TB as a public health threat.