Which are the causes of Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also target other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is a major global health concern, responsible for millions of deaths each year.

The causes of tuberculosis can be attributed to various factors, including:

1. Transmission: TB is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria. People nearby can inhale these droplets and become infected. Close and prolonged contact with an infected person increases the risk of transmission.



2. Weakened immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing active TB after being exposed to the bacteria. Conditions such as HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, diabetes, and certain cancers can compromise the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off the infection.



3. Living conditions: Overcrowded and poorly ventilated environments facilitate the spread of TB. Places like prisons, homeless shelters, and refugee camps, where people live in close quarters, increase the risk of transmission.



4. Healthcare settings: Inadequate infection control measures in healthcare facilities can contribute to the spread of TB. Patients with undiagnosed or untreated TB may infect others, including healthcare workers, during medical procedures or hospital stays.



5. Drug-resistant strains: The emergence of drug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis, such as multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), poses a significant challenge in TB control. These strains develop when the bacteria mutate and become resistant to the standard anti-TB drugs.



6. Global travel: TB can be spread across borders through international travel. People who travel or migrate from areas with a high prevalence of TB can introduce the infection to new regions.

It is important to note that TB is not hereditary and cannot be passed down from one generation to another through genes. It is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria and primarily spreads through person-to-person transmission.

Early detection, proper treatment, and public health interventions are crucial in controlling the spread of tuberculosis. Vaccination, such as the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, can also help prevent severe forms of TB in children.