TUBERCULOSIS

●Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of spreading to other organs. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of TB, covering its historical background, causes, modes of transmission, symptoms, and diagnostic methods. It also explores various forms of TB, including pulmonary, extrapulmonary, latent, and drug-resistant TB. ●Treatment strategies, including first-line and second-line antibiotics, are discussed, with an emphasis on the challenges posed by multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). The role of vaccination, public health measures, and improved healthcare infrastructure in TB prevention is highlighted. Additionally, the article examines the global burden of TB, ongoing research efforts, and future prospects for eradicating the disease.Given the persistent threat of TB, a multidisciplinary approach involving early diagnosis, effective treatment, and robust prevention strategies is essential. Strengthening global TB control programs and investing in medical research are critical to achieving the WHO’s goal of eliminating TB as a public health threat by 2030.