TB Flashcards
Most common causative organism of TB
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
What is the main causative organism of pulmonary tuberculosis?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Other organisms include mycobacterium bovis and mycobacterium africanum.
How is pulmonary tuberculosis primarily transmitted?
By inhalation or ingestion.
What is the most common site of primary infection in pulmonary tuberculosis?
Lung (98%).
List other sites where primary infection of tuberculosis can occur.
- Skin
- Tonsils
- Intestine
What are the components of the primary pulmonary complex?
- The primary focus (Ghon’s focus)
- Lymphangitis
- Regional lymphadenitis
What is the fate of the primary complex in tuberculosis?
- Healing by fibrosis and calcification
- Spread of infection
What are the local spread conditions of post-primary tuberculosis?
- T.B. pneumonia
- T.B. pleurisy
What is a possible complication of pleural effusions in tuberculosis?
Hypersensitivity reaction.
What can result from bronchial spread of tuberculosis?
- Bronchopneumonia
- Collapse of the lung
What does blood spread in tuberculosis lead to?
- Miliary T.B.
- Distant spread (e.g., T.B. meningitis)
What are common symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis?
- Night fever
- Night sweats
- Loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic cough
What characterizes the chronic cough in tuberculosis?
Purulent, mucoid, or bloody sputum.
What signs are associated with pneumonic lesions in tuberculosis?
Signs of consolidation.
What signs indicate pleural effusion in tuberculosis?
Signs of effusion.
What occurs in fibrosis related to tuberculosis?
Deviation of the trachea and mediastinum to the same side.
What happens when tuberculous lymph nodes compress the trachea and bronchi?
Wheezes.
True or False: Chronic cough is the main symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.
True.
Fill in the blank: The small caseous focus in the lung parenchyma due to the union of multiple tubercles is known as _______.
Ghon’s focus.
What is lymphocytosis in the context of CBC?
An increase in lymphocytes in a complete blood count
Lymphocytosis can indicate various conditions, including infections and certain leukemias.
What is the significance of a very high ESR in pediatric diagnostics?
An ESR usually above 100 indicates inflammation or infection
An elevated ESR can be seen in various conditions, including autoimmune diseases and infections.
What types of tests are used for cell-mediated response in tuberculosis diagnosis?
- Tuberculin test
- Quantiferon TB test
These tests help assess an individual’s immune response to tuberculosis.
How is sputum obtained for tuberculosis investigations?
Through gastric aspirate
This method is used particularly in pediatric patients who may not be able to produce sputum.
What staining method is used for direct smear in tuberculosis diagnosis?
ZN stain
ZN stands for Ziehl-Neelsen, a method used to stain acid-fast bacilli.
What is the incubation period for culture on Lowenstein Jensen medium?
4 weeks
This medium is selective for the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
How long does BACTEC culture take for tuberculosis diagnosis?
10 days only
BACTEC is a rapid culture method that allows for quicker diagnosis of tuberculosis.
What serological tests are used in tuberculosis diagnosis?
- ELISA
- PCR
ELISA detects antibodies, while PCR detects T.B. DNA.
What is the purpose of a lymph node biopsy in tuberculosis cases?
To diagnose undiagnosed cases of tuberculosis
A biopsy can provide definitive evidence of infection.
What is the purpose of a chest X-ray in tuberculosis diagnosis?
To visualize lung abnormalities associated with tuberculosis
Chest X-rays can show signs of TB infection, such as cavitations or nodules.
What is the Mantoux test used for?
To assess exposure to tuberculosis
The Mantoux test involves intradermal injection of PPD and measuring the induration.
What is the intradermal dose for the tuberculin injection?
0.1 ml (10 units) of purified protein derivative (PPD)
The injection is administered into the flexor surface of the forearm.
What does a positive reaction (> 10 mm) in the Mantoux test indicate?
Either BCG vaccination or tuberculosis infection if not vaccinated
A positive reaction requires further investigation to determine the cause.
What does a reaction greater than 15 mm in the Mantoux test indicate?
Infection
A vaccine response never exceeds 15 mm in diameter.
In the Mantoux test, how is the induration assessed?
Measure the average diameter of the induration, not the redness
The measurement is taken at 48-72 hours after injection.
What are some causes of false-negative tuberculin tests?
False-negative tuberculin tests can occur due to:
* Early disease: Before immunological response
* Advanced disease: Miliary T.B.
* Poor tuberculin quality
* Faulty technique (S.C. injection)
* Corticosteroid administration
* Chronic debilitating disease, cachexia, and immunodeficiency
* Recent antiviral vaccine (especially measles and mumps)
* Inter-current viral infection
These factors can compromise the accuracy of the tuberculin skin test.
What can cause false-positive tuberculin tests?
False-positive tuberculin tests can occur due to:
* BCG vaccine
* Infection with atypical mycobacteria (e.g., leprosy)
These conditions can lead to a positive reaction despite the absence of active tuberculosis.
What are the typical findings on a chest X-ray for tuberculosis?
Chest X-ray findings for tuberculosis may include:
* Mediastinal lymph nodes
* Miliary shadows
* Persistent shadows
These findings are important for diagnosing and monitoring tuberculosis.
What is the role of chest X-ray and CT in tuberculosis?
Chest X-ray and CT are used to:
* Show mediastinal lymph nodes
* Identify miliary shadows
* Detect persistent shadows
* Conduct mass screening for TB
Imaging techniques are essential for the early detection and management of tuberculosis.
List general measures for the prevention of tuberculosis.
General measures for tuberculosis prevention include:
* Good nutrition
* Good housing
* Better aeration
* Elimination of TB in cattle
* Pasteurization of milk
* Mass radiography centers for early detection
* Repeated examination of employees dealing with children
These measures aim to reduce transmission and improve public health.
What is the recommended dose of isoniazid for chemoprophylaxis in children with prolonged contact with open TB cases?
The recommended dose of isoniazid for chemoprophylaxis is:
* 15 mg/kg/day for 6 months to 1 year
This treatment is important for preventing the development of active tuberculosis in at-risk children.
True or False: BCG vaccination can lead to a false-positive tuberculin test.
True
BCG vaccination is known to cause a positive reaction in tuberculin skin tests.
Fill in the blank: Good nutrition, good housing, and better _______ are general measures for tuberculosis prevention.
aeration
These factors contribute to reducing the risk of tuberculosis transmission.
What is the first-line antituberculous drug?
Isoniazid (INH)
Isoniazid is one of the primary medications used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Name three first-line drugs used in tuberculosis treatment.
- Isoniazid (INH)
- Rifampicin (RIF)
- Pyrazinamide (PZA)
These drugs are essential components of the standard tuberculosis treatment regimen.
What is the dosage range for Isoniazid?
10 - 15 mg/kg/day orally
Isoniazid is typically administered in this dosage range depending on the patient’s weight.
What are the alternative drugs for tuberculosis treatment?
- Streptomycin (STM)
- Ethambutol (ETB)
- Ethionamide (ETH)
- Kanamycin
- Amikacin
- Para-amino salicylic acid
These drugs may be used when first-line treatments are not suitable.
What is the standard treatment regimen duration for tuberculosis?
6-9 months
The treatment typically starts with an intensive phase followed by a continuation phase.
What is the initial treatment phase for tuberculosis?
2 months of INH, RIF, and PZA
This combination is used to rapidly reduce the bacterial load.
How long is the continuation phase of tuberculosis treatment?
4 months of INH and rifampicin
This phase helps to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
Indications for steroids in tuberculosis include:
- Exudative forms: pleurisy, pericarditis, ascites
- Endobronchial TB
- Allergy to antituberculous drugs
- After removal of cervical lymph node to avoid fistula
- In TB meningitis for 1 month
Steroids are used to manage complications and inflammation associated with tuberculosis.
True or False: Treatment of TB meningitis requires a longer course of anti-TB medication.
True
TB meningitis is a severe form of tuberculosis that necessitates extended treatment.
What is the dosage for Rifampicin?
10 - 20 mg/kg/day orally
Rifampicin is often given in this dosage range based on the patient’s weight.
What is the dosage for Pyrazinamide?
20 - 40 mg/kg/day orally
Pyrazinamide is typically administered within this range for effective treatment.
What is the dosage for Ethambutol?
15 - 20 mg/kg/day orally
Ethambutol is given at this dosage to ensure efficacy against tuberculosis.
Fill in the blank: In military tuberculosis, steroids are indicated for _______.
[specific symptoms or complications]
The use of steroids in military tuberculosis is aimed at managing severe manifestations.