Skip to Content

Symptoms and Types of​ Tuber​culosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and related mycobacterial species. The infection can affect different parts of the body, leading to a variety of clinical forms. Understanding the main symptoms and classifications of TB is essential for research and scientific communication.

Common Symptoms of Active TB

  • Persistent Cough: Usually lasting longer than three weeks.
  • Chest Pain and Breathing Difficulties: Caused by lung tissue damage or pleural involvement.
  • Weight Loss: A frequent consequence of prolonged infection.
  • Night Sweats: Characteristic symptom linked to systemic infection.
  • Fever and Fatigue: General signs of ongoing bacterial activity.

=>>​These symptoms are associated mainly with pulmonary TB, but can also occur in extra-pulmonary forms depending on the affected organ.

Types of Tuberculosis

Dedicated professionals driving our success

1.Pulmonary Tuberculosis

  • The most common form.
  • Affects the lungs and is the main source of transmission.
  • Characterized by cough, chest pain, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

 

2.Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Occurs when bacteria spread outside the lungs. Important subtypes include:

  • Lymphatic TB: Involves lymph nodes, especially in the neck region.
  • Skeletal TB: Affects bones and joints, often the spine (Pott’s disease).
  • Genitourinary TB: Involves kidneys, bladder, or reproductive organs.
  • Meningeal TB: Infection of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
  • Abdominal TB: Targets gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, or associated organs.

3.Latent Tuberculosis

  • The bacteria remain in the body without causing symptoms.
  • Not contagious but represents a potential reservoir for reactivation.

4.Antibiotic Resistance in Tuberculosis (Research Context)

  • Certain Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains have developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics.
  • These resistant forms are studied and classified in research under different categories (e.g., MDR-TB and XDR-TB).
  • This topic represents an important area of investigation, as it provides insights into bacterial adaptation and global health challenges.

Educational Video: Learn About Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment 

Tuberculosis or TB is a contagious infection that normally affects the lungs. It can also spread to other parts of the body, like spine, kidneys and brain. A type of bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes it.

There are two types of Tuberculosis: Latent TB and Active TB.

Common signs of active TB include:

  • A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks and coughing up blood.
  • Chest pain and constant tiredness.
  • Fever, chills, and night sweats.
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss.

=> The video explains TB in a simple way, making it suitable for educational purposes.