Experiments in rhesus macaques show that changing the mode of administration of an existing vaccine yields “amazing” results in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). Share on PinterestDelivering the TB vaccine intravenously rather than intradermally may prove significantly more effective. Globally, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death and the leading cause of […]
Tag: Tuberculosis
What to know about pulmonary tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can pass through the air between people. When it affects the lungs, the medical name for this is pulmonary tuberculosis. It can cause chest pain, severe coughing, and a range of other symptoms. Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria mainly grow in the lungs, but they can infect other parts of the […]
Self-destruction system in TB bacteria may lead to ‘perfect drug’
New research explores the structure of a natural self-destructive mechanism contained in the bacterium that causes tuberculosis in humans. Exploiting this mechanism using these new findings may soon lead to better treatments. Scientists move closer to the ‘perfect TB drug,’ after zooming in on the bacterium that causes it. In the United States, more than […]
How do you read a TB skin test?
The purified protein derivative test confirms whether someone has had exposure to tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease. A positive test result indicates that the person may have a tuberculosis infection, but it does not necessarily mean that they have active tuberculosis. Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the […]
Rats better at diagnosing TB than standard tests
New research shows that rats can detect up to 70 percent more cases of tuberculosis in children than standard smear tests. The findings may help to treat a significant number of children who have previously been overlooked. Doctors need better tools to detect TB in children. The World Health Organization (WHO) say that tuberculosis (TB) […]
What to expect with the tuberculosis skin test
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease caused by an infection of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. A TB skin test is the first method a doctor will use to try to determine if a person has TB. This article explores what happens during a TB skin test, what the results might mean, and what to do once […]
TB bacterium may suppress immune system to spread disease
Scientists have a good understanding of how the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, one of world’s leading causes of death, evades the immune system to establish a foothold in the body. However, what has not been clear is the role of the pathogen in undermining the immune system to promote spread of the disease. Now, a […]
Tuberculosis: Soil bacteria compound may yield potent new drug
Researchers have discovered a compound found in soil bacteria that could lead to new drugs to combat tuberculosis, a global disease that is becoming increasingly resistant to current treatments. They have produced synthetic versions of the natural compound and showed that they can kill the tuberculosis bacterium in the laboratory. Share on PinterestThe researchers developed […]