Mycobacterial Infection (मायकोबैक्टीरियल इन्फेक्शन) एक infectious disease है जो Mycobacterium जीनस के बैक्टीरिया से होती है।
- यह बैक्टीरिया slow-growing, acid-fast bacilli होते हैं।
- सबसे प्रसिद्ध प्रकार है Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB – क्षयरोग)।
- अन्य प्रकार: Mycobacterium leprae (Leprosy / कुष्ठ रोग) और Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)।
- ये infections lungs, skin, lymph nodes, bones और other organs को प्रभावित कर सकते हैं।
Mycobacterial Infection क्या है (What is Mycobacterial Infection)
- Caused by Mycobacterium species
- Chronic bacterial infection
- Slow progression, often asymptomatic initially
- Can affect pulmonary (lungs) or extrapulmonary (other organs)
- Transmitted via airborne droplets (TB) or direct contact (Leprosy)
Mycobacterial Infection कारण (Causes of Mycobacterial Infection)
1. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Causes pulmonary TB
- Spread through coughing, sneezing, talking
- Risk factors: immunocompromised, malnutrition, crowded living
2. Mycobacterium leprae
- Causes Leprosy / कुष्ठ रोग
- Affects skin, peripheral nerves
- Transmission: prolonged close contact
3. Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)
- Found in water, soil
- Opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals
4. Risk Factors
- HIV/AIDS
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic steroid use
- Malnutrition
- Close contact with infected individuals
Mycobacterial Infection लक्षण (Symptoms of Mycobacterial Infection)
Pulmonary TB
- Persistent cough (>2 weeks)
- Hemoptysis (blood in sputum)
- Fever, night sweats
- Weight loss, fatigue
- Chest pain
Leprosy
- Skin lesions with loss of sensation
- Thickened peripheral nerves
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness in hands and feet
NTM Infection
- Chronic lung infections: cough, fatigue, low-grade fever
- Skin lesions: nodules, ulcers
- Disseminated infection in immunocompromised
Symptoms vary according to organ involved and bacterial species।
Mycobacterial Infection कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis of Mycobacterial Infection)
- Microscopy – Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) staining of sputum, tissue, or skin lesions
- Culture – Lowenstein-Jensen or liquid culture media (slow-growing)
- PCR / Molecular Tests – Detect mycobacterial DNA
- Imaging – Chest X-ray or CT for pulmonary TB
- Histopathology – Granulomas with caseation in TB or leprosy lesions
- Mantoux Test / Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) – TB exposure detection
Accurate species identification essential for appropriate treatment।
Mycobacterial Infection इलाज (Treatment of Mycobacterial Infection)
1. Anti-TB Therapy (Pulmonary/Extrapulmonary TB)
- Combination of Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol
- Treatment duration: 6–12 months (depending on site and severity)
2. Leprosy Treatment
- Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT): Dapsone + Rifampicin + Clofazimine
- Duration: 6–12 months (paucibacillary) or 12–24 months (multibacillary)
3. NTM Infection Treatment
- Species-specific antibiotics (macrolides, ethambutol, rifamycins)
- Long-term therapy often required
4. Supportive Care
- Nutrition support
- Management of comorbidities
- Physiotherapy for nerve damage (leprosy)
Early diagnosis and adherence to treatment are crucial for complete recovery।
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- BCG vaccination (for TB protection)
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals
- Proper hygiene and sanitation
- Early treatment of TB and leprosy cases
- Regular screening in high-risk populations
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
- Complete the full course of antibiotics
- Avoid spreading infection: cover mouth when coughing
- Monitor for side effects of long-term antibiotics
- Annual check-up for TB in immunocompromised patients
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. क्या Mycobacterial infection contagious है?
Pulmonary TB contagious है, leprosy transmission slow, NTM usually non-contagious।
Q2. क्या TB और Leprosy cure हो सकते हैं?
हाँ, early diagnosis और complete treatment से cure संभव है।
Q3. Treatment में कितने महीने लगते हैं?
TB: 6–12 months, Leprosy: 6–24 months, NTM: species-dependent, often prolonged।
Q4. High-risk individuals कौन हैं?
HIV-positive, malnourished, diabetics, close contact with TB patients।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Mycobacterial Infection (मायकोबैक्टीरियल इन्फेक्शन) एक chronic bacterial infection है, जो TB, Leprosy और NTM के रूप में दिखाई दे सकती है।
Early detection, proper antibiotic therapy, supportive care और preventive measures से recovery सुनिश्चित और transmission रोकना संभव है।
अगर किसी को persistent cough, fever, skin lesions, numbness या weight loss हो, तो तुरंत physician या infectious disease specialist से consultation जरूरी है।