Tuberculosis Causes & Risks

Causes

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis . When a person with active TB of the lungs coughs or sneezes, people nearby may inhale the bacteria. TB is easily spread in crowded conditions. It is also easily spread among people who are ill or have weakened immune systems.

Pathway to the Lungs

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is inhaled through the mouth and nose and travels down into the lungs causing TB.

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing TB:

Weakened immune system or chronic diseases (highest risk)
HIV infection
Malnutrition
Intravenous drug use
Alcoholism
Leukemia , lymphoma , and other cancers
Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
Severe kidney disease
Corticosteroids
Some medications used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases including etanercept , infliximab , and adalimumab
Suppressed immune system caused by medications, such as drugs to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ
Other risks factors include:
- Silicosis (an occupational lung disease)
- Living in crowded, indoor conditions (eg, homeless shelters, dormitories, military barracks)
- Age (infants, young children, and elderly people)

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