Tuberculosis Awareness: Knowing the Facts Can Save Lives

What are the two primary forms of tuberculosis?

(A) Latent, active (B) Active, latent (C) MDR-TB, active (D) Latent, MDR-TB

Final answer:

A person with Latent TB does not show symptoms and cannot infect others; a person with active TB shows symptoms of the disease and can spread it to others. Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Understanding Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis, often referred to as TB, is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also involve other parts of the body. In the context of TB, it's crucial to distinguish between latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease.

Latent TB is a dormant form of the disease where the bacteria are present but inactive in the body. Individuals with latent TB do not exhibit symptoms and are not contagious. Active TB disease, on the other hand, occurs when the bacteria become active, multiply, and cause symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, fever, and weight loss. People with active TB can spread the disease to others through respiratory droplets.

Early diagnosis and treatment of active TB are essential to prevent its spread and serious complications. Testing for latent TB is done through skin or blood tests, while active TB is diagnosed based on symptoms, imaging studies, and lab tests to confirm the presence of the bacteria.

Preventive treatment may be recommended for individuals at high risk of developing active TB, such as those with weakened immune systems or recent exposure to the bacteria. By raising awareness about TB and its forms, we can improve early detection, treatment, and prevent the spread of this infectious disease.