PTB Flashcards
Define Tuberculosis (TB).
TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Myobacterium Tuberculosis.
When the TB bacteria enters the body, what can happen to the bacteria?
It can be destroyed by the immune system and become dormant.
It can persist, multiply and cause an active case of TB.
What are the needs that have to be met in the future regarding TB?
Active finding of cases in high risk populations.
Increasing the availability of accurate point of care testing.
Rapid detection of drug resistance.
Vaccines.
New prophylaxis and treatment regimens.
Develop highly effective drug regimens that can achieve high cure rates regardless of strains resistance patterns.
For how long can TB bactrium stay airborne?
4 hours.
Are the airborne droplets small enough to reach the alveolar spaces within the lungs?
Yes.
What are the three important factors regarded in the spread of TB?
The number of organisms expelled into the air.
The concentration of organisms in the air, determined by the volume of the space and its ventilation.
The length of time an exposed person breathes the contaminated air (prolonged exposure).
Does direct sunlight kill tubercle bacilli quickly?
True
What type of environment facilitates the fast transmission of TB?
Indoors, dark, poor ventilation.
Who is more likely to develop TB?
Individuals with immunosuppressive conditions and children.
What conditions suppress the immune system which again makes an individual more susceptible to TB?
Silicosis, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol, steroids, immunosuppressive drugs.
What conditions in children further increased their risk of developing TB?
Malnutrition, measles, whooping cough.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of TB?
May be asymptomatic, or might not feel well. Anorexia, fatigue and weight loss. Cough. Hemoptysis. Low grade fever. Night sweats. Dyspnea.
