Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB), although much less common than in the past, still occurs in Western countries such as Australia, and is still a very serious condition.
This infection, caused by the germ Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can affect any part of the body, but usually affects the lungs.
The disease is typically spread by breathing air containing tiny droplets, usually from coughs and sneezes, from an infected person.
Most at risk of having TB are those born in countries where the disease is common. These include India, China, Indonesia and South Africa.
Although Western countries no longer vaccinate all children against TB, vaccination may be a wise step for certain people likely to spend more than a short time in countries where the disease is common.
Last Reviewed: 23 November 2009
- 1. WHO report 2009 - Global tuberculosis control [website]. World Health Organization, 2009. Available at: http://www.who.int/tb/publications/global_report/2009/key_points/en/index.html (accessed 2009, Nov 27)
2. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, National Health and Medical Research Council [website]. The Australian Immunisation Handbook, 9th Edition. 3.22 Tuberculosis (updated 2008, Mar 26). http://immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/Handbook-tuberculosis (accessed 2009, Nov 27)
