Tuberculosis Overview

These flashcards encompass key concepts related to tuberculosis, including its causes, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, and treatment regimens, tailored for exam readiness.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The bacterium that causes tuberculosis.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

The most common presentation of tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis

TB that occurs outside the lungs, affecting other areas of the body.

Risk factors for TB

Include crowding, low socioeconomic status, birth in TB endemic areas, and HIV.

Chronic latent infection

Stage where TB is walled off in granulomas and does not spread.

Progressive primary tuberculosis

Stage where a patient's immune system fails to contain TB, leading to severe symptoms.

Reactivation tuberculosis

Occurs when latent TB becomes active due to a weakened immune system.

Constitutional symptoms of TB

Include cough, weight loss, night sweats, hemoptysis, and fatigue.

Pott's disease

TB infection of the vertebrae.

Scrofula

TB lymphadenitis in the cervical region.

First-line TB treatment

RIPE: rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol.

Rifampin unique ADR

Can cause reddish-orange secretions, including urine and sweat.

Isoniazid adverse effect

Can cause peripheral neuropathy, mitigated by pyridoxine (B6) supplementation.

Pyrazinamide side effects

Associated with hyperuricemia and photosensitive rash.

Ethambutol adverse effect

Can lead to optic neuritis.

Miliary TB

Characterized by diffuse small nodular lesions on chest X-ray.

PPD test

A test for tuberculosis where a purified protein derivative is injected and read after 48-72 hours.

Induration size for healthy individual

A positive PPD test requires 15 mm or more in healthy individuals.

Induration size for moderate-risk individuals

A positive PPD test requires 10 mm or more.

Induration size for high-risk individuals

A positive PPD test requires 5 mm or more.

Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear

A test to detect the presence of TB bacteria in sputum.

Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)

A PCR test used to confirm TB bacteria from an AFB positive result.

Sputum culture

The most sensitive test for TB but can take weeks for results.

Latent TB treatment

Typically isoniazid or rifamycin class medications.

BCG vaccine

A tuberculosis vaccine given primarily in endemic countries.

Hepatotoxicity

All TB medications (RIPE) can cause liver damage.

TB risk factors sequence

Includes crowding, low socioeconomic status, endemic country birth, HIV, and immunocompromised states.

Immunocompromised states

Conditions like HIV or chronic steroid use that increase risk for TB progression.

Singular occupancy for TB diagnosis

Diagnosis usually begins with chest X-ray in suspected TB cases.

Classic reactivation pattern

Reactivation TB typically presents in the upper lung lobes due to higher oxygen tension.

Granuloma formation

The immune response that walls off TB infection in healthy individuals.

Diagnostic challenges in TB

Differentiating TB from malignancy symptoms in patients.

Diagnostic imaging for TB

Chest X-ray is the initial test for patients with symptoms of active TB.

Importance of clinical history

Understanding patient's history helps differentiate TB from similar illnesses.

TB screening methods

Include PPD and interferon gamma release assay.

Two-step PPD test

A method often used for healthcare workers to ensure accurate TB screening.

Core treatment duration for TB

Active TB treatment typically spans a duration of about six months.

Renaming TB drugs mnemonic

RIPE: Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol.

Alternative treatment medication

Streptomycin can replace ethambutol in specific cases.

Symptoms indicating TB

Common symptoms include cough, weight loss, and night sweats.

TB-related hemoptysis

Coughing up blood is a significant symptom of TB infection.

Preventative measure for Isoniazid use

Administration of pyridoxine (B6) to prevent neuropathy.

Understanding TB vignettes

Details in patient history are crucial for identifying TB cases.

Surveillance for TB

Public health measures and screenings are critical in endemic methods.

Environmental determinants of TB

Risk increases in crowded and impoverished living conditions.

Therapeutic endpoints in TB

Efforts focus on managing symptoms, preventing progression, and eliminating infection.

Maximizing treatment adherence

Choice of regimen should factor in patient likelihood of adherence.

Post-therapy monitoring

Monitoring for potential drug interactions and side effects through follow-ups.