Concept explainers
To discuss:
Why does active tuberculosis results in permanent reduction in lung capacity, while other respiratory illness leads to temporary respiratory problems? Globally, the incidence of tuberculosis infection is very high, but active tuberculosis is much lower. Describe?
Introduction:
The causative agent of tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which was first isolated by a microbiologist Robert Koch. Mycobacterium is a Gram-positive bacterium that possesses the acid-fast property. This property is due to the presence of waxy mycolic acid on their cell surfaces. It spreads from person-to-person through the air, hence it is referred to as an airborne disease.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads through airborne particles, which are known as droplet nuclei. The size of the droplet nuclei is 1 to 5 microns in diameter. When an infected person sneezes, coughs, spits, or talks, the droplet nuclei is expelled into the air and remain viable up to four hours in a congested room. Therefore, it can easily infect a weak person who inhales this bacterial pathogen.
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