157: Tuberculosis and Infections with Atypical Mycobacteria Flashcards
What is the global impact of tuberculosis (TB) in terms of its ranking as a cause of death?
Tuberculosis (TB) is currently the ninth leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause from an infectious agent, ranking higher than HIV/AIDS.
How does HIV status affect the likelihood of developing tuberculosis (TB)?
HIV-positive individuals are approximately 20 times more likely than HIV-negative individuals to develop TB in countries with a generalized HIV epidemic, and between 26 and 37 times more likely in countries where HIV prevalence is lower.
What are the two most frequent forms of skin tuberculosis?
The two most frequent forms of skin tuberculosis are lupus vulgaris (LV) and scrofuloderma.
What is the relationship between the AIDS epidemic and tuberculosis (TB)?
The AIDS epidemic has led to a resurgence of tuberculosis and the appearance or recognition of new mycobacterial pathogens, with the incidence of TB in AIDS patients being almost 500 times that in the general population.
What is the most common cause of disseminated bacterial infections in patients with AIDS in the United States?
The Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex is the most common cause of disseminated bacterial infections in patients with AIDS in the United States.
What are the routes of infection for cutaneous tuberculosis?
Routes of infection for cutaneous tuberculosis include:
- Cutaneous inoculation leading to a tuberculous chancre or tuberculosis verrucosa cutis.
- Spread of mycobacteria by continuous extension of a tuberculous process in the skin (scrofuloderma) via the lymphatics.
- Hematogenous dissemination, which can lead to acute miliary tuberculosis of the skin or lupus vulgaris (LV).
Which countries had the highest burden of TB disease in 2016?
India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
What is the significance of atypical mycobacteria (MOTT) in relation to skin disease?
MOTT causes skin disease more frequently than Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
How do mycobacteria multiply in the body?
Mycobacteria multiply intracellularly and are initially found in large numbers in the tissue.
What is the significance of tuberculin sensitivity in individuals infected with M. tuberculosis?
Tuberculin sensitivity usually develops 2 to 10 weeks after infection and persists throughout life. In patients with clinical tuberculosis, an increase in skin sensitivity usually indicates a favorable prognosis.
What are the key components of the Quantiferon-TB Gold test?
The Quantiferon-TB Gold test involves mixing blood samples with antigens representing M. tuberculosis proteins (ESAT-6 and CFP-10). After incubation for 16 to 24 hours, the amount of interferon (IFN-γ) released in response to the antigens is measured.
What is the hallmark histopathological feature of tuberculosis?
The hallmark of tuberculosis is the tubercle, which is an accumulation of epithelioid histiocytes with Langhans-type giant cells and varying amounts of caseation necrosis in the center, surrounded by a rim of lymphocytes and monocytes.
What is the sensitivity and specificity of PCR testing in multibacillary and paucibacillary disease?
In multibacillary disease, PCR testing showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. In contrast, in paucibacillary disease, PCR testing showed 55% sensitivity and specificity.
What is the general treatment approach for cutaneous tuberculosis?
The management of cutaneous tuberculosis is similar to that of tuberculosis of other organs, with chemotherapy being the treatment of choice.
What special considerations are there in treating tuberculosis of the skin?
In treating localized forms of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis without evidence of associated internal tuberculosis, isoniazid alone may be used for up to 12 months.
What is the tuberculin reaction and its significance in diagnosing tuberculosis?
The tuberculin reaction is a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction induced by mycobacteria during primary infection, used as a diagnostic test for tuberculosis.
What does the Quantiferon-TB Gold test measure?
It measures the amount of interferon released by white blood cells in response to specific TB antigens, indicating infection with M. tuberculosis.
What is the hallmark of tuberculosis in histopathology?
The tubercle, which is an accumulation of epithelioid histocytes with Langhans-type giant cells and caseation necrosis.
What is the role of PCR testing in diagnosing cutaneous tuberculosis, and what are its limitations?
PCR testing is used to ascertain the presence of mycobacterial DNA in skin specimens. In multibacillary disease, PCR testing shows 100% sensitivity and specificity, while in paucibacillary disease, it shows 55% sensitivity and specificity.
What treatment options are available for cutaneous tuberculosis, and what additional measures may be required?
The treatment of cutaneous tuberculosis generally involves chemotherapy, similar to that for other forms of tuberculosis. Ancillary measures may also be required.
What special considerations should be taken into account when treating localized forms of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis?
Localized forms of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis may be treated with isoniazid alone for up to 12 months.
What is the role of surgical intervention in treating scrofuloderma?
Surgical intervention is quite helpful in scrofuloderma as it reduces morbidity and shortens the required length of chemotherapy.
What defines extensively multidrug-resistant TB?
Extensively multidrug-resistant TB is defined as resistance to at least rifampicin and isoniazid, in addition to resistance to any fluoroquinolone and to at least one of the three injectable second-line anti-TB drugs.
What are the clinical findings associated with primary inoculation tuberculosis?
The clinical findings include:
- A small papule, crust, or erosion at the site of inoculation appearing 2 to 4 weeks after infection.
- A painless ulcer that may enlarge to more than 5 cm.