Tuberculosis : Pulmonary introduction

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a chronic and infectious-contagious disease posing a significant global health challenge. Over a century after the discovery of its causative agent, TB continues to be a major public health concern. In 2022, TB was identified as the second leading infectious killer globally, after COVID-19, causing 1.3 million deaths, including those among people with HIV. An estimated 10.6 million new TB cases were reported, affecting all countries and age groups, emphasizing its widespread impact.

The lungs are the primary site of infection in up to 87% of TB cases, making pulmonary TB the most prevalent form of the disease. Patients often present with symptoms like a persistent cough and abnormal chest X-ray findings. Due to its contagious nature, individuals with pulmonary TB are usually considered infectious until they meet specific criteria. Despite the availability of effective treatments, the complete eradication of TB remains elusive. The persistence and high incidence of pulmonary TB highlight the critical need for vigilant public health measures, including early detection and effective treatment strategies, to combat this enduring health challenge. TB's curable and preventable nature further stresses the importance of global efforts in controlling and eventually eliminating this...