Tuberculose - Vamos aprender um pouco mais?

Abstract

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is still one of the main causes of infectious diseases worldwide. And Brazil is one of the 30 countries with a high incidence of this disease, then TB control is a priority, according to the World Health Organization. Although it is a curable disease, the long treatment period and possible side effects complicate patients' effective adherence to therapy and favors growth in the number of multi-drug resistant cases. This booklet addresses tuberculosis-related aspects such as symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, epidemiology and the related defence response. The objective is to inform the general population about tuberculosis, contributing to its control and prevention. With the advancement of research in the health area, the prevalence and mortality rates of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis have declined worldwide, although not yet has achieved the ideal. These rates still remain high especially in populations considered highly vulnerable, emphasizing the need for constant propagation information about the main diseases that affect the population. In this way, this booklet may contribute to greater dissemination of knowledge about tuberculosis and its main aspects, helping in its control and prevention.