TP most likely refers to Tuberculosis (TB).
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the spine, brain, or kidneys. Tuberculosis is spread through the air when people with active TB in their lungs cough, sneeze, speak, or sing.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects of Tuberculosis:
- Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria
- Primary Target: Lungs (pulmonary TB), but can affect other organs (extrapulmonary TB)
- Transmission: Airborne droplets released when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings.
- Symptoms:
- Persistent cough (lasting 3 or more weeks)
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Chest pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Night sweats
It's important to note that not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. There are two TB-related conditions:
- Latent TB Infection (LTBI): The bacteria live in the body without causing symptoms. People with LTBI are not infectious and cannot spread TB to others. However, LTBI can progress to active TB disease.
- Active TB Disease: The bacteria are actively multiplying and causing symptoms. People with active TB disease are infectious and can spread TB to others.
Diagnosis of TB typically involves:
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA): These tests determine if someone has been infected with TB bacteria.
- Chest X-ray or CT scan: These imaging tests can help identify lung damage caused by TB.
- Sputum Smear and Culture: These tests identify the presence of TB bacteria in the sputum.
Treatment for TB involves taking antibiotics for a period of 6 to 9 months. Adherence to the treatment regimen is crucial to prevent drug resistance.
