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Definition of tuberculosis

noun

[mass noun]

• an infectious bacterial disease characterized by the growth of nodules (tubercles) in the tissues, especially the lungs.

  • The disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis or (especially in animals) a related species; Gram-positive acid-fast rods

• The most common form, pulmonary tuberculosis (formerly known as ‘consumption’), is caused by inhalation of the bacteria. It was widespread in 19th-century Europe, and still causes millions of deaths each year in developing countries. The disease can affect other parts of the body, notably the bones and joints and the central nervous system. Its spread is countered by vaccination and by the pasteurization of milk to prevent transmission from cattle. It was once considered incurable, but early X-ray diagnosis permits its arrest by drugs and surgery

Origin:

Causes of Tuberculosis

Cases of tuberculosis are caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium typically attacks the lungs but may also attack other parts of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Tuberculosis may also be linked to certain risk factors, including alcoholism, IV drug abuse, and homelessness.

Know the Risk Factors

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop tuberculosis. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.

 

Specific tuberculosis risk factors include:

 

• Alcoholism
• IV drug abuse
• Crowded living conditions
• Homelessness
• Poverty
• Immigration from certain countries
• Low body weight
• Certain medical treatments (such as corticosteroid treatment or organ transplants)
• Certain medical conditions, such as:

• HIV or AIDS
• Diabetes mellitus
• Silicosis
• Cancer of the head or neck
• Leukemia or Hodgkin's disease

• Severe kidney disease
• Certain treatments for rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease.