Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria can spread from people to people through tiny droplets released into the air via coughing, sneezing, spitting, and talking. Patients with underlying diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, malnutrition, diabetes, and people who smoke have a higher risk of getting TB.[1]
Any person who has a chronic cough for longer than 2 or 3 weeks, which is the most common primary symptoms of tuberculosis should see a doctor.
Sometimes drug-resistant TB occurs when the infecting bacteria have become resistant to antituberculous drugs. These drugs can no longer kill the TB bacteria.
The most important way to prevent the emergence of drug-resistant TB is to take all TB drugs exactly as prescribed by the health care provider. No doses should be missed, and treatment should not be stopped early. People receiving treatment for TB disease should tell their health care providers if they are having trouble taking the drugs.[2]
It is also crucial for every country to take preventive measures now, as it is still possible to reverse the development and transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
Check out this video for more about TB:
How the body reacts to tuberculosis
References
1 WHO. (2018, January 18). What is TB? How is it treated? Retrieved from http://www.who.int/features/qa/08/en/
2 WebMD. (n.d.). What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-tuberculosis-symptoms