INVESTIGATE DISEASES CAUSED BY MICRO-ORGANISMS 1. Choose a disease that is caused by a micro- organism. Do some research to make sure that this is caused by a micro- organism. 2. Find the following information about the disease you have chosen: a. The name of the micro-organism that causes the disease. b. The group of micro- organisms to which the organism belongs. c. The effects and symptoms of the diseases d. How the disease is treated e. How to prevent being infected with the disease 3. Arrange the information that you found into a poster or pamphlet that could be used to educate people about the disease. Make your poster or pamphlet as attractive as possible.

# Tuberculosis (TB) ## Micro-organism and Classification - **Micro-organism Name:** \( \text{Mycobacterium tuberculosis} \) - **Group:** This bacterium belongs to the group of **acid-fast bacilli**, which is a type of bacterium known for its waxy cell wall that resists decolorization by acids during staining. ## Effects and Symptoms Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs, though it can spread to other parts of the body. The main symptoms include: - **Persistent Cough:** Often lasting more than 3 weeks. - **Chest Pain:** Discomfort or pain when breathing or coughing. - **Coughing Up Blood:** Hemoptysis (blood in sputum) may occur in advanced cases. - **Fever:** Low-grade fever that may persist for weeks. - **Night Sweats:** Profuse sweating during the night. - **Fatigue and Weakness:** A general feeling of tiredness and decreased energy. - **Weight Loss:** Unexplained loss of weight, sometimes dramatic. ## Treatment Tuberculosis is treated using a course of antibiotics over several months to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated. The standard treatment includes: - **First-Line Drugs:** A combination of antibiotics such as: - Isoniazid - Rifampicin - Pyrazinamide - Ethambutol - **Treatment Duration:** Typically \( 6 \) months or more, depending on the severity of the disease and patient response. - **Directly Observed Therapy (DOT):** In some cases, healthcare providers supervise the treatment to ensure that patients complete the full course of antibiotics. ## Prevention Prevention strategies include: - **Vaccination:** The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (\( \text{BCG} \)) vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe forms of TB in children. - **Proper Ventilation:** Ensuring that living and working spaces are well ventilated can help reduce the spread of airborne infections. - **Respiratory Hygiene:** Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. - **Early Detection:** Timely medical screening and prompt treatment of active cases to prevent the spread. - **Public Awareness:** Educating communities about the modes of transmission and prevention techniques. --- This information, presented in a clear and visually attractive poster format, can help educate people on how tuberculosis is caused, its symptoms, treatment methods, and prevention measures.