Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Causes and Symptoms 

• caused by two species of rod shaped bacteria 
• symptoms include: a persistent cough, tiredness, loss of appetite that may lead to weight loss, fever and coughing up of blood 

Transmission 

• spread through the air by droplets from when infected individuals cough or sneeze 

Groups that are at greater risk are:

• those living in close contact with infected individuals over long periods 
• work or reside in long term care facilities where lots of people are in close contact eg. old peoples' homes, care homes, hospitals or prisons 
• people from countries where TB is common 
• people that have reduced immunity such as: 
  • The very young or very old 
  • Those with AIDS 
  • People with other diseases that make the body less able to resist disease eg. diabetes 
  • Those under going treatment with immunosupressant drugs eg. transplant patients 
  • The malnourished 
  • Alcoholics or injecting drug users 
  • The homeless  

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