There are two main types of tuberculosis (TB) in the human body: pulmonary TB and extrapulmonary TB.
Understanding Tuberculosis Types
Tuberculosis, caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB). However, it can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to extrapulmonary TB.
Pulmonary TB
- This is the most common type of TB, affecting the lungs.
- It's characterized by symptoms like coughing, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
- Pulmonary TB is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Extrapulmonary TB
- Extrapulmonary TB occurs when TB bacteria infect other organs outside the lungs.
- According to the reference, several types of extrapulmonary TB include:
- Gastrointestinal TB: Affects the digestive system.
- Skeletal TB: Affects the bones and joints.
- Liver TB: Affects the liver.
- Other forms of extrapulmonary TB can affect various parts of the body, such as the brain (meningitis), lymph nodes, and kidneys.
Key Differences
| Feature | Pulmonary TB | Extrapulmonary TB |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Site | Lungs | Organs outside the lungs |
| Contagious | Highly contagious | Generally not contagious |
| Common Symptoms | Cough, chest pain, etc. | Varies based on the affected area |
| Examples | N/A | Gastrointestinal, skeletal, liver |
Conclusion
In summary, TB manifests in two primary categories: pulmonary TB, which affects the lungs, and extrapulmonary TB, which affects other areas of the body such as the gastrointestinal system, skeletal system, and liver.
