Summary of Indigenous Health: Tuberculosis
Document Type
Journal Article
Faculty
Faculty of Education and Arts
School
Kurongkurl Katitjin / Centre for Research in Entertainment, Arts,Technology, Education and Communications
RAS ID
5640
Abstract
Tuberculosis (T8) is primarily a lung infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can penetrate lung tissue causing inflammation and the development of tubercles (encapsulated bacterial cells) ['I. These tubercles may rupture allowing the infection to spread to the surrounding tissue, the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and consequently to other parts ofthe body. They may also lie dormant, reactivating years later. Few symptoms are specific to the disease but persistence in symptoms is a feature in all forms of T8 [21. Of concern are coughs lasting longer than 2-3 weeks and/or blood·stained sputum.
Comments
Thomson, N. J., & Burns, J. F. (2008). Summary of Indigenous Health: Tuberculosis. Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal: a national resource journal for Aboriginal and Islander community education workers, 32(3), 26-27. Available here