Tuberculosis is a severe infectious disease caused by pathogenic mycobacteria. The disease most often affects the lungs, is characterized by a long wavy course, leads to damage to the respiratory, cardiovascular and other systems in the body, as well as the development of a special immune response – an allergic reaction of delayed type. In treatment, special antituberculosis drugs are used, which act on the mycobacterium. This is a treatable disease – with timely detection and compliance with the doctor’s recommendations, the prognosis is favorable.
Causes of tuberculosis
The causative agent of the infection is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its other name is bacillus, or Koch’s bacillus, after the doctor who discovered this bacterium. It is very resistant to unfavorable external factors – it survives even under heating, cooling, drying and high humidity. It is resistant to many disinfectants, but dies in direct sunlight.
The source of infection is a sick person. He releases mycobacterium tuberculosis into the environment – for example, when coughing and even normal breathing.
There are several mechanisms of human-to-human transmission of mycobacteria:
- airborne – by sneezing, coughing, talking;
- air-dust – mycobacteria are released from a sick person and then settle in dust particles;
- contact – through household items, especially those where dust is easily trapped;
- alimentary – by eating meat from diseased animals;
- vertical – from mother to fetus during intrauterine development.
Contact with a sick person does not necessarily lead to the development of the disease. It all depends on the activity of the immune system. Therefore, those with weakened immune systems are at risk of contracting tuberculosis:
- newborns;
- the elderly;
- people with congenital immunodeficiencies;
- cancer patients;
- HIV-infected persons;
- people with alcohol or drug abuse.
In addition, the risk of spreading the infection is higher in places of detention, military units and among people with no fixed abode. But this does not mean that those who live in favorable conditions are safe from TB. Poor nutrition, weight deficiency, and severe chronic diseases can also weaken immune defenses and create conditions for the disease to develop.
Modern methods of diagnostics
The following methods of diagnosing pathology are distinguished:
- bacteriologic urinalysis;
- general urinalysis;
- blood chemistry;
- T-SPOT.TB;
- microbiologic diagnostic methods;
- coagulation system examination;
- microscopic analysis of sputum;
- radiation diagnostic methods.
1. Bacteriologic urinalysis
It is performed for extrapulmonary tuberculosis, especially of the genitourinary system, as the disease may be asymptomatic for a long time or masked by other pathologies. It is prescribed for long-term, difficult-to-treat diseases of these organs.
2. Urinalysis
The general urinalysis shows characteristic changes in tuberculosis. This is the appearance of pus drops, the presence or traces of protein and a more acidic reaction.
3. Biochemical blood tests
At some stages of tuberculosis, changes are detected, although they are not present in the inactive form. This test is not specific for diagnosis, but is important for monitoring the patient’s condition and the effectiveness of treatment.
4. T-SPOT.TB immunologic diagnosis
T-SPOT.TB detects tuberculosis by T-lymphocyte reaction and is highly accurate. It is effective even with poor results of other tests in people with autoimmune diseases. It is particularly important for HIV-infected people, as it gives accurate data despite lymphocyte damage.
5. Microbiological diagnostic methods
Used for direct detection of the causative agent of tuberculosis in biological tissues of the body. Various techniques are used.
6. Blood coagulation study
Coagulogram is necessary in tuberculosis because the disease can cause hemoptysis and pulmonary hemorrhage by altering hemostasis parameters. Minor blood loss activates the clotting system, while heavy blood loss reduces the level of clotting factors.
7. Microscopic analysis of sputum
Sputum analysis is mandatory in tuberculosis, as it may contain blood, pus, mucus, and, in the cavernous form, rice balls and crystals. Bacterioscopy and sowing on nutrient media help to identify mycobacteria.
8. Radiation methods for diagnosing tuberculosis
Radiation methods can detect changes caused by mycobacteria and assess the severity of the disease. The main methods are:
- Fluorography – screening method for prevention and early detection.
- Radiography – a more accurate diagnosis of chest diseases.
- Tomography – layer-by-layer imaging for detailed assessment of the spread of the disease.
- Radionuclide methods – scintigraphy to assess functional activity.
- Ultrasound – to diagnose the state of the heart, pleura and lymph nodes.
Methods of treatment of tuberculosis
Treatment tactics will depend on the form of the disease and the severity of the course of the disease. The methods used are mainly medical and rarely surgical.
Drug treatment includes taking specific antituberculosis drugs. They act specifically on mycobacteria – destroy them or inhibit their ability to reproduce in the human body. The course of treatment is long – about 6-12 months. If indicated, the doctor may also prescribe drugs that relieve the symptoms of tuberculosis, such as sputum thinners and cough reducers.
Surgical treatment is performed for some severe forms of tuberculosis. For example, in case of significant destructive changes in the lungs, resection is performed – the affected part of the organ is removed to prevent further spread of the infection.
Tuberculosis does not pass without a trace even after the complete destruction of mycobacteria. Therefore, after the course of basic therapy, rehabilitation is carried out in a sanatorium. It is also important to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition, watch your weight and regularly undergo preventive examinations with a doctor.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that requires timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Modern diagnostic methods, such as bacteriological, microscopic, immunological and radiation studies, allow effective detection of the disease at different stages, as well as monitoring the patient’s condition and the effectiveness of therapy. Treatment of tuberculosis is mainly medical, with the use of specific drugs, and in severe cases – surgical intervention. An important aspect is rehabilitation after treatment, as well as regular follow-up with the doctor to prevent relapses. With timely detection and compliance with all recommendations, the prognosis of the disease is usually favorable, and the patient can fully recover.
