- Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a rod-shaped, acid-fast bacterium within the Mycobacterium genus.
- It is the primary causative agent of tuberculosis, a contagious disease that typically affects the lungs but can also involve other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain.
- This bacterium has a waxy, lipid-rich cell wall that contributes to its resistance to traditional staining methods, necessitating specialized techniques. It thrives in oxygen-rich environments and is known for its slow growth, with division times much longer than those of many other bacteria.
- Tuberculosis spreads through tiny airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Upon entering the lungs, the bacterium may remain dormant as latent TB or cause active disease. Common symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats. Without treatment, active TB can be life-threatening.
- Diagnosis involves tests like skin or blood screenings, imaging, and microbiological cultures. Treatment typically includes a combination of antibiotics taken over several months. Multidrug-resistant strains of the bacterium present significant treatment challenges, requiring alternative therapeutic approaches.
- Tuberculosis remains a major global health concern, especially in regions where access to medical care is limited. Preventive measures such as vaccination, awareness campaigns, and research into new therapies are critical for controlling its spread.
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