TB Flashcards
caused by
mycobacterium tuberculosis
what type of bacteria is mycobacterium tuberculosis
acid-fast bacilli
- rod shaped
- resistant to gram staining = acid-fast
staining technique required
zeihl-neelsen stain
turns TB bacteria bright red against a blue background
active TB
active infection within body
in majority of cases the immune system is able to kill and clear the infection
latent TB
immune system encapsulates sites of infection to stop disease progression
secondary TB
when latent TB reactivates
miliary TB
when immunue system is unable to control disease
–> disseminated, severe disease
why is lungs most common site
most oxygen
risk factors
known contact with active TB
immigrants from high prevalence areas
those with relatives from countries high rate TB
immunosuppressed - HIV, immunosuppressant drugs
homeless people
drug users
alcoholics
BCG vaccine
liver attenuated vaccine
mantoux text done before and vaccine only given if this is negative
who is offered BCG vaccine
neonate born in area of UK with high rate TB
neonate with relatives from country high rate
neonate with FHx TB
unvacc older kids/young adults who are close contact
unvacc immigrants frmo country high rate
healthcare workers
symptoms onset….
chronic, gradually worsening symptoms
signs and symptoms
lethargy fever night sweats weight loss cough +/- haemoptysis lymphadenopathy erythema nodosum
spinal TB aka
pott’s disease of the spine
Mantoux test
indicates prev vaccination, latent TB or active TB
tuberculin injected into forearm and checked 72hrs after
if induration ≥5mm = +ve result
positive result should then be assessed for active disease
