Tuberculosis: Pathogenesis and Control

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs. It is caused by a species of pathogenic bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB infection converts into disease when the immune system defenses are overcome by bacilli that begin to multiply. Tuberculosis can also reoccur after treatment especially in patients with HIV. A short course treatment of TB involves the use of antibiotics such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, etc. These are known as first-line drugs. A series of second-line drugs may also be used in case the first-line drugs prove to be inefficient to treat the disease. This book discusses the fundaments as well as modern approaches of tuberculosis pathogenesis, control and treatment. The topics included herein are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers.