Pulmonary tuberculosis is caused by
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis or Mycobacterium
Bovis (both of which are bacteria).
Symptoms
- Persistent Cough - Tiredness
- Loss of Appetite -
As the disease develops
Fever - Coughing up Blood
Transmission
M. Tuberculosis is spread through the air
(airborne). Droplets are released into the
air when infected individuals cough,
sneeze, laugh or talk.
M. Tuberculosis is a
resistant bacterium that
can survive several weeks
once droplets have dried. It
usually takes close contact
with an infected person
over a prolonged period of
time.
M. Bovis infects cattle. It can be spread to
humans. The cattle's milk can contain the
bacterium.
Some groups of people are
more at risk from TB than
others:
- People in overcrowding conditions
- People who work in long term care
- People from countries where TB is
common - People who have reduced
immunity