Understanding Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. The term "tubercle" refers to the small, rounded lesions or nodules that form in the lungs as a result of the infection. These nodules can be seen on an X-ray or CT scan and are typically indicative of active TB disease.

In the past, before the discovery of antibiotics, tuberculosis was a common and often fatal disease. However, with the development of effective antibiotics, TB is now treatable and curable in most cases. Despite this, TB remains a significant public health problem, particularly in developing countries where access to healthcare and medical resources may be limited.