Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs.
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TB is diagnosed using a sputum test, chest X-ray, and sometimes a tuberculin skin test or blood tests.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a high lipid content in its cell wall, making it resistant to many common antibiotics.
The bacteria can remain dormant in the body for years before becoming active, leading to latent TB infections.
Common symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) occurs when the bacteria become resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, two of the most powerful anti-TB drugs.