Handout #5 - TB Pathophysiology - Definitions

Question 1

Acid fast

Answer 1

Response to staining procedures, response to acid wash.

Question 2

Mycolic acids

Answer 2

Very long fatty acid chains that help the mycobacteria in general to survive, but gives the pathogenic mycobacteria many of their resistant properties.

Question 3

Granulomas

Answer 3

Immune system encapsulates bacilli in granulomas, creating latent infection.

Question 4

Primary TB

Answer 4

First TB infection, where the responses of the innate and specific immune system continue and the TB is active. 5-10% of cases.

Question 5

Reactivation of tuberculosis

Answer 5

Latent infections that re-emerge from dormancy later in life. 5-10% of cases. Usually in association with immune system impairment.

Question 6

Latent infection

Answer 6

After the immune system has eliminated the bacteria or granulomas have formed, 6 to 12 weeks after infection.

Question 7

Tubercule

Answer 7

A TB granuloma.