Anti TB Flashcards
What is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB)?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
What type of bacteria is Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacillus.
What is the primary route of transmission for TB?
Airborne transmission through respiratory droplets.
What is the main risk factor for developing TB?
Immunosuppression (e.g., HIV infection, diabetes).
What are the primary symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis?
Chronic cough, hemoptysis, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
What is the role of the tuberculin skin test (TST)?
To identify latent TB infection.
What does a positive TST indicate?
Possible exposure to TB; further evaluation needed.
What is the purpose of a chest X-ray in TB diagnosis?
To detect lung abnormalities indicative of TB infection.
What laboratory test is definitive for diagnosing active TB?
Sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
What is the significance of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in sputum smear microscopy?
Indicates the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
What are the first-line anti-TB agents?
Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol.
What is the initial treatment regimen for drug-susceptible TB?
2 months of Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol.
What is the continuation phase treatment duration for TB?
4 months of Isoniazid and Rifampicin.
How long is the treatment for drug-resistant TB?
At least 18-24 months with second-line drugs.
What is the purpose of Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS)?
To ensure adherence to TB therapy and prevent resistance.
What is the mechanism of action of Isoniazid?
Inhibits mycolic acid synthesis, disrupting the cell wall.
How does Rifampicin work?
Inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to RNA polymerase.
What is the mechanism of action of Pyrazinamide?
Disrupts membrane potential and energy production in dormant bacilli.
How does Ethambutol function?
Inhibits arabinogalactan synthesis, affecting cell wall integrity.
What is the role of Fluoroquinolones in TB treatment?
Used as second-line agents to inhibit DNA gyrase, preventing bacterial replication.
What are common side effects of Isoniazid?
Hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, and seizures.
What is a major adverse effect of Rifampicin?
Hepatotoxicity and orange-red discoloration of bodily fluids.
What is a potential side effect of Pyrazinamide?
Hepatotoxicity and hyperuricemia (gout).
What are the side effects of Ethambutol?
Optic neuritis and visual disturbances.
How can peripheral neuropathy from Isoniazid be prevented?
Co-administration of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6).
What factors contribute to the development of drug-resistant TB?
Incomplete treatment, poor adherence, and transmission of resistant strains.
What defines multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)?
Resistance to at least Isoniazid and Rifampicin.
What is extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB)?
MDR-TB plus resistance to Fluoroquinolones and at least one injectable drug.
How is drug susceptibility testing performed?
Through culture methods or molecular assays.
Why is it important to monitor adherence in TB treatment?
To prevent treatment failure and reduce transmission of resistant strains.
What is the causative agent of leprosy?
Mycobacterium leprae.
What is the primary treatment for leprosy?
Multi-drug therapy (MDT) including Rifampicin, Dapsone, and Clofazimine.
How long is the treatment duration for paucibacillary leprosy with MDT?
6 months.
How long is the treatment for multibacillary leprosy with MDT?
12 months.
What are the primary symptoms of leprosy?
Skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy, and muscle weakness.
What is the mechanism of action of Dapsone?
Inhibits dihydropteroate synthase, blocking folate synthesis.
How does Clofazimine function?
Intercalates into DNA, inhibiting bacterial growth and has anti-inflammatory properties.
What are common side effects of Dapsone?
Hemolysis, especially in G6PD-deficient individuals.
What are the side effects of Clofazimine?
Skin discoloration and gastrointestinal disturbances.
What is the importance of MDT in leprosy treatment?
Prevents drug resistance and effectively treats all forms of leprosy.
What laboratory tests are important for monitoring anti-TB therapy?
Liver function tests, complete blood count, and sputum culture.
What symptoms should prompt evaluation for drug toxicity during TB treatment?
Jaundice, persistent nausea, or changes in vision.
What is the role of corticosteroids in TB treatment?
Used in severe cases (e.g., TB meningitis) to reduce inflammation.
Why is it important to educate patients on the importance of completing TB treatment?
To ensure cure, prevent relapse, and reduce transmission.
How should TB treatment be adjusted in cases of hepatotoxicity?
Monitor liver function closely and consider modifying the regimen.
What populations are at higher risk for TB?
People living with HIV, those with diabetes, and immunosuppressed individuals.
What is the significance of BCG vaccine in tuberculosis?
Provides protection against severe forms of TB in children.
What are the limitations of the BCG vaccine?
Variable efficacy in adults and not effective for pulmonary TB.
What is the significance of the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) in TB?
Helps diagnose latent TB infection, especially in BCG-vaccinated individuals.
What is the primary preventive measure for TB?
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of active cases to reduce transmission.
What are common complications of untreated TB?
Lung damage, disseminated TB, and death.
What is the potential long-term effect of pulmonary TB?
Pulmonary fibrosis and chronic respiratory impairment.
What is a common complication of leprosy if left untreated?
Nerve damage leading to deformities and disability.
How can leprosy lead to secondary infections?
Through skin lesions and compromised immunity.
What is the importance of regular follow-up for patients on TB treatment?
To monitor treatment response, adherence, and side effects.
How does TB rank in global mortality?
It is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.
Which regions have the highest burden of TB?
Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe.
What is the global strategy to combat TB?
To end the TB epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
