Do you come across this infectious disease tuberculosis (TB) or Koch's and wonder what it is all about? TB is a bacterial infection; caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis. Does it still sound complex? Okay let me give you a simple outline of this contagious disease...

Causes - The tiny droplets of saliva produced by a TB infected individual while coughing, sneezing or talking could contain the bacteria that spread TB. As mentioned earlier, TB is a bacterial infection! People with low immunity have higher chances of getting infected!

Symptoms - The bacterium remains dormant in the initial stages and the infected person shows symptoms over a period of time. Symptoms include loss of weight, loss of energy, poor appetite, fever, productive cough and night sweats.

Diagnosis - A chest X-ray helps diagnose the disease. A tuberculin skin test is done to identify TB in people who do not show up any symptoms. People with productive cough undergo sputum test for early diagnosis.

Treatment - Multiple drugs are given to treat TB based on the laboratory results.

Prevention - If diagnosed in the initial stages where the infection is not causing any harm to the host, INH drugs are given for a year to prevent sickness. BCG vaccine is given for children as a precaution.

A person infected with TB can lead a normal life provided he is regular with his medications. Remember...Ignorance may cost your life....