The term “اختبار السل” translates to “Tuberculosis test” in English. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are several tests used to diagnose TB, including the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). These tests help detect if a person has been infected with TB bacteria.
The TST, also known as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test, involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin (a purified protein derivative of TB bacteria) under the skin. After 48 to 72 hours, a healthcare provider checks the injection site for a raised, hard area or swelling, which indicates a positive reaction.
The IGRA blood test measures the body’s immune response to TB bacteria by detecting the release of interferon-gamma (a substance produced by immune cells) when they are exposed to TB antigens.
It’s important to note that a positive TB test does not necessarily mean a person has active TB disease. Further testing, such as chest X-rays and sputum tests, is often needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine if treatment is necessary.
Treatment for TB typically involves taking antibiotics for several months to kill the bacteria. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB.
Preventive measures, such as vaccination with the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine and screening for latent TB infection, are also important strategies in controlling the spread of TB.
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Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. TB is a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
There are two main forms of TB: latent TB infection and active TB disease. In latent TB infection, the bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state and cause no symptoms. However, latent TB can progress to active TB disease, especially in people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, or diabetes, or those taking immunosuppressive medications.
Symptoms of active TB disease can include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. TB can be diagnosed through various tests, including the tuberculin skin test (TST), interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), chest X-rays, and sputum tests.
Treatment for TB involves taking a combination of antibiotics for several months. The most common antibiotics used to treat TB include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment to ensure the bacteria are fully eradicated and to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB.
Preventive measures for TB include vaccination with the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which is recommended in countries with a high prevalence of TB, and screening for latent TB infection, especially in high-risk populations. In addition, improving ventilation in indoor spaces, promoting cough etiquette, and providing access to early diagnosis and treatment are important strategies in controlling the spread of TB.