26. TB

Question 1

What is the main cause of TB and what are some other causes?

Answer 1

Main cause is M.tuberculosis

Can also be due to M.aftricanum, M.microti

Question 2

How is TB transmitted?

Answer 2

Via droplet infection i.e. from person to person through the air
Can be expelled when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, speaks, sings

Transmission then occurs when another person inhales the droplet

Question 3

How can we prevent the transmission of TB?

Answer 3

Isolate infectious patients

Provide effective treatment to infectious patients as soon as possible

Question 4

How is TB treated?

Answer 4

Three drugs: Isoniazid, Rifampicin and Pyrazinamide are given daily orally for a total of 6 months (or 12 months if they have TB meningitis)

Plus Ethambutol for two months

BUT within two weeks of treatment, the person is no longer infective

Question 5

What is meant by DOTS and how does this relate to TB?

Answer 5

DOTS - directly observed therapy

This is used if you think that the patient is not likely to follow the therapy as they should