Overview of TB Flashcards
How can TB be spread?
Through PROLONGED exposure by ACTIVE TB
How is TB handled by the Immune system
Macrophages “wall off” bacteria in the lung where it remains dormant
What does dormant TB end up being called?
Is TB infectious at this point?
Latent TB
No, not infectious and typically is asymptomatic?
What can cause Latent TB to become reactive again?
HIV or suppression of the Immune system
Risk factors for getting TB
Immunocompromised
Crowded living conditions
Exposure to someone with TB
Nationality (Africa, Asia, Latin America)
What are the 4 possibilities after breathing in TB
- You don’t become infected
- You develop Latent TB
- You develop active TB
- You develop active TB years after initial infection
Clinical Presentations of Active TB infection
- Bad cough more than 3 weeks long, may even see hemoptysis
- Fever, chills, night sweats
- Weakness
- Weight loss
What are classic exam findings with Pulmonary TB
- Post tussle (cough) rales
2. CXR differences
How does Primary vs Reactive TB look on a CXR
slide 12
Diagnostic tests confirming TB
Sputum Cytology (Gold standard)
Sputum smear for Acid-fast Bacilli
What are you measuring when looking at PPD skin test?
- Firmness (induration), not Redness
Classifications for Positive TB Skin test
slide 17
What are the blood tests used to diagnose TB
Quntiferon TB
T-SPOT TB
What is the 4 drug regimen for Active TB
R.I.P.E
Rifampin
Isoniazid
Pyrazinamide
Ethambutol
When and What should you treat with for Latent TB
Treat- only when active TB is ruled.
Use INH with vit.B6 for 9 months
