Tuberculosis - Symptoms and Treatment

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also involve other organs.
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TB Infection | Respiratory Diseases | Public Health Initiatives | TB Symptoms | Tuberculosis Prevention Measures
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Tuberculosis FAQ


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What is tuberculosis (TB)?

Find out how we define and monitor cases of TB, and where you can learn more about this disease. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that damages the lungs or other parts of the body and can cause serious illness and death. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis .

What is the abbreviation for tuberculosis?

The abbreviation TB is short for tubercle bacillus. Consumption was the most common nineteenth century English word for the disease, and was also in use well into the twentieth century. The Latin root con meaning 'completely' is linked to sumere meaning 'to take up from under'.

What does TB stand for?

Tuberculosis (TB) - Etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, signs, diagnosis & prognosis from the MSD Manuals - Medical Professional Version.

What causes tuberculosis (TB)?

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis . The vaccine for tuberculosis is called the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine. It is not part of the childhood immunisation program, as TB rates in Australia are very low.

What is tuberculosis & how is it treated?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. This fact sheet provides basic information on the transmission, symptoms, testing, and treatment of TB.

Tuberculosis References

If you want to know more about Tuberculosis, consider exploring links below:

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