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Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It used to be called "consumption". It mostly affects the lungs and can be fatal if left untreated. In 80 percent of cases, the lungs are affected, leading to a cough with sputum containing the pathogen, which can infect others. This is referred to as "active tuberculosis". The disease can also spread to other organs. Tuberculosis is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide.
Tuberculosis is transmitted from person to person through droplet infection, for example when coughing. In rare cases, it can also be contracted by consuming raw cow's milk if the cows are infected. In the United Kingdom, this almost only happens through droplet infection. Only people with active pulmonary tuberculosis can infect others. The risk depends on how many bacteria are coughed up and how long you are in a closed room with the infected person. Brief contact, such as on a bus, does not lead to infection.
The first signs of pulmonary tuberculosis are fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, mild fever and night sweats. A cough that lasts longer than three weeks is also an important symptom and should be investigated. In some cases, the disease progresses without any clear symptoms.
A skin test or blood test is often performed to diagnose tuberculosis and determine whether someone has come into contact with the bacteria. If active disease is suspected, an X-ray of the lungs is taken. If tuberculosis is confirmed, patients must receive medical treatment.
This is a blood test that shows whether the body has already reacted to tuberculosis bacteria. If the immune cells release certain messenger substances, an infection can be detected. The test takes 2 to 5 days and you will be informed by the health authority.
Yes, tuberculosis can be treated and cured with antibiotics. However, it is important that the medication is taken regularly over several months. If the standard medications do not work, reserve antibiotics are used, which have more severe side effects and require a longer treatment period.
Treatment usually lasts six months. In the first two months, patients take four different medications to fight the bacteria and prevent resistance. After that, two medications must be taken for another four months. In complicated cases, treatment takes longer. At the beginning of treatment, patients are isolated in hospital to prevent infection of others.
The health authority carries out so-called environmental investigations to determine who has been in close contact with the infected person. These people are tested and, if necessary, X-rays of the lungs are taken. If the disease is confirmed, treatment is started immediately. The health authority accompanies the patients throughout the entire course of therapy.
There is only a risk of infection if you have had close and prolonged contact. This includes living together in the same household, sharing a workplace or spending a lot of time together. The health authority will inform you as part of the environmental investigation and test you to see if you have been infected. If so, further investigations will be carried out and treatment will be initiated.