"tuberculosis"의 정의 및 의미

What is "tuberculosis"?

Tuberculosis, often referred to as TB, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. Symptoms of TB may include persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood or phlegm, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it highly contagious. While TB can be serious if left untreated, it is curable with antibiotics. Treatment typically involves a combination of several medications taken over several months. Prevention measures include early detection, isolation of infected individuals, and vaccination in regions where TB is common.