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It is an acid-fast bacillus that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. The disease is transmitted through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit, and is highly contagious. The Wikipedia page on Mycobacterium tuberculosis provides a comprehensive overview of the bacterium, its characteristics, and its impact on public health. It covers various aspects of the disease, including its history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. The page describes the history and evolution of tuberculosis from ancient times to the discovery of the causative agent by Robert Koch in 1882. It explains the unique features of the bacterium's cell wall, including its waxy nature and its ability to resist staining by standard dyes, which makes it a challenge to diagnose and treat. The epidemiology section provides information on the global prevalence of tuberculosis, its distribution, and the factors contributing to its spread. It highlights the socio-economic factors, such as poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding, and inadequate healthcare systems, that increase the risk of developing the disease. The pathogenesis section describes the complex interactions between the bacterium and the human immune system, leading to the development of active or latent tuberculosis. It explains how Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades the immune response and forms granulomas, which can cause tissue damage and eventually lead to the development of clinical symptoms. The page also discusses the available diagnostic tools and techniques used for identifying tuberculosis infection, including tuberculin skin tests, interferon-gamma release assays, and various imaging techniques. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and prompt treatment to prevent the spread of the disease. The treatment section provides detailed information on the drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis, including first-line and second-line agents, their mechanisms of action, and the importance of drug resistance surveillance. It also explains the significance of directly observed therapy (DOT) in ensuring treatment adherence and reducing the risk of drug resistance. Overall, the Wikipedia page on Mycobacterium tuberculosis serves as a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the bacterium and the disease it causes. It provides up-to-date information on various aspects of tuberculosis and highlights the importance of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in controlling the global burden of this infectious disease.