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Tuberculosis (TB) is
a deadly infectious disease that is caused by mycobacteria and
most commonly affects the lungs.
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Over one third of
the population has the TB bacterium in their bodies.
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Symptoms of TB
involve a bloody cough, fever, pallor, pale complexion, swollen
neck glands, and weight loss.
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There are both
latent and blatant forms of the disease, as well as multiple
strains, differing in severity. TB can be spread via coughing or
projection of bodily fluids.
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Testing for TB
involve chest X-rays, a skin test, and a full physical.
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Treating TB involves
taking antibiotics like rifampicin and isoniazad. One major
problem is that drug-resistant strains of TB are developing.
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Many AIDS sufferers
die of TB because of immunosupression
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Infants can be
vaccinated against TB but there is no such vaccine for adults.
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¼ of TB suffers die.
Quarantines and proper hygiene are essential.
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