How you get infected
-
An infected person coughs and exhales airborne saliva. This saliva is then taken in by an unsuspecting host.
The bacterium is typically transferred to the lungs of the host.-
This region is preferential for the TB infection due to its moist, high pressure, and oxygen rich characteristics
-
Body Defenses
-
The body reacts to the bacteria by recruiting defense cells to contain it. If the defense cells are strong enough they will surround and
create scar tissue to contain the bacteria. -
If the scar tissue holds, the host is in the latent stage, which means that they are not contagious and no symptoms will be experienced.
-
If the bacteria escapes the tissue, the host will be in the active state, which means that the bacteria will infect other parts of the body and
some symptoms will be experienced.
Symptoms in the Active State:
These
symptoms are most commonly found in patients infected with the TB bacteria.
However, you could be infected with the bacteria but experience no symptoms.
-
Ongoing cough
-
Fatigue and weight loss
-
Night sweats and fever
-
Rapid heartbeat
-
Swelling in the neck
-
Shortness of breath and chest pain