Mycobacterium

Question 1

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Answer 1

• Aka Tuberculosis (TB)
• Small aerobic, non-motile, rod shaped bacteria that is primarily a respiratory disease. It can infect the blood though.
• When TB is out of the lungs, it is non-infectious. It is spread through tiny droplets.
• Because it is a poor gram stain, a acid-fast stain is best viet it.
• Characteristics: Bad cough w/ blood/heavy sputum, chest pain,
• Secondary Characteristics: Weakness, fatigue, weight loss and fever/chills.
• Treatment: Combination of drugs - 1) Isoniazid (INH), 2) Rifampin (RIF), 3) Ethanbutd (EMB), 4) Pyrazinamide (PZA)
• If meds are stopped too soon, bacteria may reemerge.
• If medication is taken ireegularly, TB could devlop drug resistance.

Question 2

Leprosy

Answer 2

• Aka Hansen’s Disease
• Caused by mycobacterium leprae: small-rod shaped, acid-fast bacterium.
• Infections can remain asymptoatic and can stay this way for 3-20 years.
• Transmitted via airborne fluid droplets. Not as infectious as TB.
• Characteristics: Skin, nerves, URT, eys
• If untreated, severe nerve damage causes physical injuries due to the lack of signals.
• Treatment: Completely curable using a multiple drug regimen: Dapsone, Rifampin, Clofazimine.
• All treament is provided for free by WHO.