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| Tuberculosis Disease |
Tuberculosis is the most important specific communicable disease in the world with an estimated 7 million infectious cases, more than three quarters of them in the developing countries. Each year about 3.5 million new cases occur and more than half a million die this disease.
Tuberculosis is caused by the acid fast myco-bacterium tuberculosis. It is spread by droplets from the sputum of an open case and by ingestion of infected milk. Occasionally infection may be through skin, mucosa of mouth or tonsils. Incidence is higher in lower socioeconomic sections of the community.
Three types of tubercle bacilli mainly cause disease in man: a) The human type. b) The bovine type. c) The atypical mycobacteria.
Tuberculosis is considered under two headings:
A) Primary infection - uncomplicated; and complicated (miliary and tuberculous meningitis).
B) Post-primary infection:
- Pulmonary
- Alimentary
- Bones and Joints
- Skin
- Pericardium
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