TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis. With 8 million new cases each year, tuberculosis is the second leading cause of death from infectious diseases throughout the world, after acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

SYMPTOMS

• Following infection, usually through the airborne route, the bacteria grow within the pulmonary alveoli and macrophages. When bacterial multiplication can no longer be contained by the immune system (in 5 to 10% of patients), the active disease develops.

• The most common form of active tuberculosis is the pulmonary form. Symptoms include chronic cough, moderate fever, night time sweats, fatigue, decreased appetite and weight loss.

• Miliary (diffuse impairment of lungs, spleen, liver, and bone marrow) and meningeal tuberculosis are the most severe forms of the disease.

• Treatment relies on the administration of anti-tuberculosis drugs for many months.