Tuberculosis As An Infectious Disease - 1515 Words

INFECTIOUS DISEASE: TUBERCULOSIS Tuberculosis is one of the leading infectious diseases around the world. Globally, infectious diseases like tuberculosis among others continue to be one of the leading causes of death in children, adolescents and of the leading causes in adults (WHO). The purpose of this article is to examine and discuss mostly the etiology of tuberculosis, as well as its cause and spread. To better understand the subject of tuberculosis as an infectious disease and the problem it poses throughout the world, the following questions would be answered: What are the factors important in the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases? How do sufferers and non-sufferers view tuberculosis? What is the impact of†¦show more content†¦Statistics also show that one out of seven humans die of tuberculosis. In terms of etiology, the bacterium behind tuberculosis as discovered by Koch is a very stubborn one. In his work to determine the cause of tuberculosis he describes how the bacteria shows many distinct characteristics that make them so dynamic. They are rod-shaped, thin, only one-half as long as the diameter of hemoglobin but once in a while, they are able to get as long as the diameter of a cell and belong to a group of Bacilli. In addition, they are also described to possess a form and size that resembles that of the leprosy bacillus that exists in large numbers in everywhere they exist, usually in tissue cells and also outside cells. (Koch, 1882) Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a small but very rapid growing bacterium that can only live in humans. Also, it is an aerobic bacterium (meaning that it needs oxygen to survive). This would explain why its complexes are always found in the upper sacs of the lungs. For someone to actually develop Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) the bacteria would need to enter the body first and cause an infection and one of the ways for this to happen is through breathing in of Mtb infected air, thereby bringing the bacterium in contact with the lungs where it is able to thrive and grow. Another way a person develops active Mtb is when the host’s immune system is not strong enough (asShow MoreRelatedTuberculosis As A Infectious Disease1339 Words   |  6 PagesTuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that can harm any organ of the body, especially the lungs. Every year about over a million people die due to tuberculosis and even more are infected. A person in contact with an infected individual can easily put themselves at risks of getting TB. Due to the emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis infections commenced to increment more rapidly. A person with HIV has an impotent immune system which is not able to fight infectionsRead MoreTuberculosis : A Infectious Disease Essay1685 Words   |  7 PagesTuberculosis; often referred to as the silent killer, is a highly infectious disease that is contracted annually by 9.3 million individuals globally, and causes 1.8 million deaths. It’s high mortality rate led to the formation of the American Lung Association in the United States in 1904, after it was declared the leading cause of death during the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. The origin of tuberculosis is not certain; the first documented deaths were recorded in ancient Egypt andRead MoreTuberculosis Is The Infectious Disease923 Words   |  4 Pages Tuberculosis is the infectious disease, that cause mortality worldwide and is the actual issue for worldwide health system. Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease, that may presented in an active or a latent form. It affects a various body systems, but mostly a respiratory system. This disease is triggered by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is transmitted through the air; therefore, a person gets infected by an inhaled bacterium from a person with active form of TB, and who isRead MoreTuberculosis : An Infectious Disease1399 Words   |  6 PagesInfectious diseases can attack the human body in many forms and varieties. Tuberculosis is one type of these infectious diseases that is a bacterial infection which spreads throughout the lymph nodes and within the bloodstream enabling it to affect all organs in the human body, commonly termed TB. TB is caused by the members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The M. tuberculosis complex includes the species M. africanum, M. bovis, M. canettii, M. microti and M. tuberculosis, these can beRead MoreTuberculosis Is An Infectious Disease1217 Words   |  5 Pagessuffering with this disease at present even though there is vaccine widely available, there is still a high morbidity rate in some countries every year. Africa, Western and Southeast Asia are the most affected areas, making approximately 86 percent of tuberculosis cases in the world. This research paper will discuss, tuberculosis in New Zealand. It will discuss the biology of the bacterium, risks factors and the importance of immunisation and prevention. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by aRead MoreTuberculosis : An Infectious Disease Essay2029 Words   |  9 PagesTuberculosis, also known as (TB) has been around for decades and is still active across the globe. It was a huge threat to Europe and America in The 19th century. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. An individual can become infected with the disease while breathing in the bacteria that is spread through the air droplets when a person coughs or speaks. TB mainly affects the lungs, however, it can attack other organs also. Tuberculosis can be fatalRead MoreTuberculosis Is An Infectious Disease Essay1230 Words   |  5 PagesMinistries of Health, states there is still an increase of number of cases of tuberculosis diagnosed each year in New Zealand, approximately 300 cases. Tuberculosis is known to be one of the oldest disease among humans and today is one of the leading causes infection and death in adults. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2016) about one-third of the world’s population is suffering with this disease at present even though there are vaccine widely available. Though there is still a highRead MoreTuberculosis As An Infectious Disease1033 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that has afflicted individuals from the Old World for several thousands of years. This has been well documented in the archaeological record. However, the origins and development of tuberculosis in the New World have been the subject of multiple controversies. These controversies have stemmed from the discussion of whether or not Europeans introduced tuberculosis to the Americas. Evidence from South America has clearly shown that tuberculosis was presentRead MoreTuberculosis As A Infectious Disease1329 Words   |  6 PagesTuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that can harm any organ of the body, especially the lungs. Every year about over a million people die due to tuberculosis and even more are infected. A person in contact with an infected individual can easily put themselves at risks of getting TB. Due to the emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis infections began to increase more rapidly. A person with HIV has a weak immune system which is not able to fight infectionsRead MoreTuberculosis : An Infectious Disease931 Words   |  4 PagesEven though the idea of tuberculosis being hereditarily was present, tuberculosis was still agreed to be an infectious disease at this time. Tuberculosis, as many other bacterial infections, needs a host. The bacterium is not found outside of the animal’s body. The main way that tuberculosis, and many other bacteria-caused diseases spread is through sputum. It is estimated that â€Å"a fairly well advanced consumptive spit s out from one and a half to four and a third billion bacilli in twenty-four hours†