Tuberculosis – Causes

Transcript

Tuberculosis is caused by a slow growing bacteria called mycobacteria tuberculosis. This is also known as MTB. Extended, close indoor contact with someone with active TB is the major risk factor for TB. For example, if a person in a household has TB, about half of their close household contacts will develop latent TB infection within about eight weeks of initial exposure. And among those that have this condition latent TB infection, about 10% will develop active TB, with poverty, chronic nutrient malnutrition, and other chronic conditions like HIV, cancer, and diabetes, putting people at higher risk of developing active TB, as well as immunosuppressive medications.