Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depiction of some Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library number #8438)
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Globally, TB is widespread, however Australia has one of the lowest rates of infection in the world with an incidence of 5 per 100,000. In Australia most TB cases occur in individuals who were born overseas or have travelled to parts of the world where the disease is common. However transmission can and does occur from time to time within Australia.
Below are articles written by Dr Astrid about TB trends in Australia and Western Australia, and TB diagnosis:
Tuberculosis trends in Australia
Tuberculosis trends in Western Australia
Tuberculosis diagnosis dilemmas
Tuberculosis most commonly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. It is spread through the air when people who have an active TB infection cough or sneeze. The only risk factor for acquiring tuberculosis is to breathe. Most tuberculosis infection does not cause any symptoms because the person’s immune system keeps it under control. This is known as latent tuberculosis. Tuberculosis becomes active and causes disease in approximately 5 to 10 percent of those with latent tuberculosis. Symptoms of active tuberculosis include a persistent cough of three or more weeks often associated with night sweats, fevers and weight loss.
Tuberculosis infection is treatable and curable with a multi-drug regimen for six months. TB must be treated by doctors with experience with this condition. Dr Astrid looks after latent and active TB cases in her private rooms as well as through the WA TB Control Program located at the Anita Clayton Centre.
For further information about TB see the following pages: