Tuberculosis Flashcards

Tuberculosis (TB)

Concepts of Infection

  • Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs.
  • Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Global Impact and Statistics

  • Approximately 1.25 million deaths occur yearly due to TB.
  • TB is a leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Africa and Southeast Asia account for the majority of global TB deaths.
  • TB is a major cause of death among people with HIV; individuals with HIV are significantly more likely to die from TB.
  • The rate of tuberculosis began to increase in 2021 in the United States.
  • Racial and ethnic groups most affected by TB include: Native Americans/Alaskan indigenous peoples (highest), Black and African Americans, and Asians.

Transmission

  • TB is spread through airborne transmission.
  • Infected droplets are released through coughing, sneezing, speaking, etc.

Types of TB

  • Latent TB Infection:
    • The bacteria is in the body but inactive.
    • The patient has no symptoms.
    • The patient is NOT contagious.
  • Active TB Infection:
    • The bacteria is active and growing.
    • The patient feels ill.
    • The patient is CONTAGIOUS.

Symptoms of Active TB

  • Cough lasting for weeks
  • Chest pain
  • Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
  • Increased phlegm production
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Night sweats

How TB Affects the Body

  • Coughing
  • Chest Pain
  • Generalized aches
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble breathing
  • Intermittent Fever
  • Loss of weight and appetite
  • Night Sweats

TB Testing

  • Tuberculin Test (TST, Mantoux test, PPD):
    • Purified protein derivative is injected into the superficial, subdermal layer of the skin.
    • Monitored for a skin reaction response within 3 days.
  • Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test:
    • Measures the body’s immune response to TB bacteria in blood samples.
    • Yields the fastest results.
    • Accurate.
    • Can eliminate false-positives from the BCG vaccine.
  • BCG vaccine (Bacille Calmette-Guerin):
    • A live attenuated vaccine used to prevent TB.
    • Mostly given to infants in countries with a high rate of TB; protects against the most severe forms of the disease.
    • Not widely used in the US because of the lower risks of severe TB; may also interfere with TB skin tests.
    • Not 100% protective.

Associated Risk Factors

  • Compromised immunity
  • Diabetes
  • Malnutrition
  • Tobacco use
  • Alcohol abuse

Treatment

  • TB treatment consists of a combination of antibiotics:
    • Isoniazid (INH)
    • Rifampin (can darken the color of urine and skin)
    • Pyrazinamide
    • Ethambutol

Complications

  • Untreated Mycobacterium can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other organs, causing:
    • Lung damage
    • Joint damage
    • Damage to other organs (Miliary TB)

TB Prevention

  • Healthy diet.
  • Limit alcohol use.
  • Use personal items and cutlery.
  • Routine house cleaning.
  • Stay away from people who are coughing.