Question 1

What is tuberculosis (TB)?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily affects the lungs, TB can also impact the brain, kidneys, or spine. It spreads through airborne particles when someone with active pulmonary TB coughs, speaks, or sneezes.
Source: CDC, 2025

Question 2

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough (over 3 weeks), coughing up blood or sputum, chest pain, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Latent TB, in contrast, causes no symptoms.
Source: CDC, 2025

Question 3

Is tuberculosis contagious?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pulmonary TB is contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. However, not everyone exposed becomes sick. People with latent TB are not contagious, while those with active TB can spread it without treatment.

Question 4

Can tuberculosis be cured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TB is curable with the proper use of a combination of antibiotics taken over several months. Successful treatment depends on adherence to the full regimen.
Source: Wikipedia (citing WHO/CDC), 2025

Question 5

Can tuberculosis go away on its own?

Accepted Answer

No. Without treatment, TB can worsen and lead to serious complications or death. Latent TB may remain inactive for years but can reactivate later if not treated.

Question 6

What causes tuberculosis to flare up or become active?

Accepted Answer

TB can become active due to weakened immunity—from HIV, diabetes, malnutrition, or immunosuppressive treatments. Most cases of active TB arise when latent infection overwhelms immune control.
Source: CDC Clinical Overview, 2025

Question 7

How is tuberculosis diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis involves skin tests (Mantoux), blood tests (IGRAs), chest X-rays, and sputum tests. In some cases, advanced imaging or molecular testing is needed to confirm or differentiate between drug-resistant strains.

Question 8

How is tuberculosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Active TB treatment requires multiple antibiotics (e.g., isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide) taken daily for several months. Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) is often used to ensure adherence.
Source: CDC, 2025

Question 9

Why is tuberculosis treatment so long?

Accepted Answer

TB bacteria are slow-growing and can remain dormant in the body. Prolonged treatment ensures complete eradication and prevents the development of drug-resistant TB, which is much harder to treat.

Question 10

Can tuberculosis come back after treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Recurrence may happen if treatment is incomplete or if the patient is reinfected. Drug-resistant TB strains also have a higher chance of returning. Regular follow-ups are recommended after successful treatment.

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