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Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), also known as Koch's bacillus, is a species of pathogenic bacteria and the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB).

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On March 24, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). During this time, TB killed one out of every seven people living in the United States and Europe. Dr. Koch’s discovery was the most important step taken toward the control and elimination of this deadly disease. A century later, March 24 was designated World TB Day: a day to educate the public about the impact of TB around the world.

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How do you get Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

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How do you get Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

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Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a type of bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It's spread when a person with active TB disease in their lungs coughs or sneezes and someone else inhales the expelled droplets, which contain TB bacteria.

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Pathogenic Life Cycle of M. tuberculosis

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Pathogenic Life Cycle of M. tuberculosis

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Symptoms of TB disease depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are growing. TB bacteria usually grow in the lungs (pulmonary TB). TB disease in the lungs may cause symptoms such as:

a bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer

pain in the chest

coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)

weakness or fatigue

weight loss

no appetite

chills

fever

sweating at night

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Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Gram Stain

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Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Gram Stain

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Tuberculosis mostly affects adults in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk.  Generally, persons at high risk for developing TB disease fall into two categories:

Persons who have been recently infected with TB bacteria

Persons with medical conditions that weaken the immune system

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Tuberculosis disease is treated with antibiotics. Treatment is recommended for both TB infection and disease.

The most common antibiotics used are:

isoniazid

rifampin

pyrazinamide

ethambutol

streptomycin.

To be effective, these medications need to be taken daily for 4–6 months. It is dangerous to stop the medications early or without medical advice. This can allow TB that is still alive to become resistant to the drugs.

Tuberculosis that doesn’t respond to standard drugs is called drug-resistant TB and requires more toxic treatment with different medicines.

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Special measures like respirators and ventilation are important to reduce infection in healthcare and other institutions. Following the below steps can help prevent tuberculosis infection and the spread:

Seek medical attention if you have symptoms like prolonged cough, fever and unexplained weight loss as early treatment for TB can help stop the spread of disease and improve your chances of recovery.

Get tested for TB infection if you are at increased risk, such as if you have HIV or are in contact with people who have TB in your household or your workplace.

If prescribed treatment to prevent TB, complete the full course.

If you have TB, practice good hygiene when coughing, including avoiding contact with other people and wearing a mask, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of sputum and used tissues properly.