2.1 Tuberculosis Clinical Flashcards
What causes Tuberculosis?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Where does the bacteria travel to ignored to establish an infection?
Travel to lung alveoli
How long after the initial infection is TB detectable?
2-12 weeks, though immune response limits activity
What do we call it when the TB bacteria remains dormant within the body and what can we use to diagnose it?
Latent TB Infection (LTBI); QFT-G (QuantiFERON) for diagnosis
What tests can show positive results for active TB?
Active multiplying tubercle bacilli, abnormal CXR, sputum smears, and cultures
How is TB spread?
Airbone particles called droplet nuclei when a person coughs or sneezes
Does mycobacterium avum cause TB?
NO!
What type of stain do you have to use for Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Acid fast staining; since the cell wall is uniquely waxy for gram stain
How should the sputum samples be taken for examination?
3 sputum samples at least 8 hours apart with one screen in the morning
What is the cord factor?
Inhibition of phagosome-lysosome fusion; one of the major virulence factors along with its waxy cell wall
