TB transmission generally occurs through the air. When TB sufferers actively spit mucus or phlegm when coughing or sneezing, TB bacteria will come out through the mucus and carried into the air. Furthermore, TB bacteria will enter other people's bodies through the air they breathe.
Tuberculosis or commonly referred to as TB or TB disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease most often attacks the lungs. However, there are other organs that can also be attacked by tuberculosis, namely the spine, lymph nodes, skin, kidneys, and the lining of the brain.
TB is not transmitted through physical contact (such as shaking hands) or touching equipment that has been contaminated with TB bacteria. In addition, sharing food or drinks with people with tuberculosis also does not cause a person to contract this disease.
Modes of Transmission of Tuberculosis
When coughing or sneezing, people with tuberculosis can spread the germs found in phlegm into the air. In one cough, TB sufferers can issue about 3000 sputum sparks.
TB bacteria in the air can last for hours, especially if the room is dark and humid, before being inhaled by others. Generally transmission occurs in a room where sputum sparks are in a long time.
People who are at high risk of contracting TB are those who often meet or reside in the same place as TB sufferers, such as family, workmates, or classmates.
However, basically transmission of tuberculosis is not as easy as imagined. Not everyone who breathes in air containing TB bacteria will directly suffer from TB.
In most cases, this inhaled bacteria will stay in the lungs without causing illness or infecting others. Bacteria remain in the body while waiting for the right time to infect, which is when the immune system is weak.
Several Phases of TB Infection
There are two conditions that may occur when someone breathes air that contains TB bacteria, namely:
Latent tuberculosis
The latent phase occurs when the body is already inhabited by TB bacteria but the immune system is good, so that white blood cells can fight the bacteria.
Thus, the bacteria do not attack and the body is not infected with tuberculosis. You also do not experience symptoms of TB disease and no potential to infect others. Even so, bacteria can be active and attack you again at any time, especially when the immune system is weakening.
Even in latent conditions, you should still see a doctor to get treatment for tuberculosis. If someone who is in the latent TB phase does not get treatment, then he is at higher risk for having active TB infection.
Similarly, if people with latent TB have other medical conditions, such as malnutrition, active smoking, diabetes, or HIV infection.
Active tuberculosis
Active TB is a condition when someone already has TB. At this stage, the TB bacteria in the body is active so that the sufferer experiences symptoms of tuberculosis. It is this active TB patient who can spread TB disease to others.
Therefore, active TB sufferers are advised to wear a mask, close their mouth when coughing or sneeze, and not spit carelessly.
Patients with active TB also need to get TB treatment. This treatment needs to be done routinely for at least 6 months. Treatment that is not completed or stopped in the middle of the road can lead to bacterial immunity against TB drugs, also called MDR TB.
Prevent TB as early as possible
TB can be prevented by:
- Conduct TB testing, especially for people who are at high risk of TB exposure.
- Follow treatment procedures before TB becomes active, if it has been diagnosed with latent phase TB.
- Improve air circulation in the home to prevent bacteria from settling in the room.
- Get BCG immunization, especially for children and people who are at high risk of contracting TB.
Even though TB transmission is not as easy as it seems, you are still advised to be vigilant. TB bacteria in the air are ready to attack anytime.
Eat nutritious foods and get enough rest so that your immune system remains optimal. Thus, tuberculosis and other diseases will not easily attack.
If you experience some symptoms of TB, such as coughing for more than three weeks, bleeding cough, fever, cold sweat at night, and weight loss dramatically, especially if there are people at home or work who have similar symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
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