MycoBacterial Infections

MycoBacterial Infections, particularly tuberculosis (TB), pose significant global health challenges. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs, although extrapulmonary forms can occur. Transmission occurs through inhalation of respiratory droplets from infected individuals. The bacteria evade the immune system by residing within macrophages, leading to the formation of granulomas – organized immune structures that can contain the infection. Clinical presentation of TB includes chronic cough, hemoptysis, weight loss, and night sweats. The disease can progress to severe forms, such as miliary TB or disseminated TB, affecting multiple organs. Drug-resistant TB strains, including multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), present additional challenges to effective treatment. Diagnosis involves various methods, including sputum microscopy, culture, chest X-rays, and molecular tests like polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Treatment typically requires a combination of antibiotics, such as isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, administered for an extended period. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is often employed to ensure treatment adherence.

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