Tuberculosis Flashcards
What is the epid of TB?
- 9.6million cases per year
- Co infection with HIV in 12% cases
- Leading cause of death worldwide
- 5million deaths/yr
What are RF for TB?
- HIV
- Immunosuppressive medication i..e. RA, IBD
- Overcrowding more likely relatives>strangers + homeless people
- Travel: sub Saharan Africa Indica/bangledesh
What is the cause of TB?
infection by mycobacterium tuberculosis affecting multiple organs
What lobes are usually affected in TB?
upper lobes as ventilated better as bacteria need oxygen
When does active TB infection happen?
- active infection happens when containment by immune system (T cells. macrophages) is inadequate
- Can arise by primary infection or reactivation of previous latent disease
How common is latent disease changing?
Latent disease and lifetime risk of reactivation is 5-10% - if immunosuppressed or aging
What are the 3 things possible after initial infection?
- Successful clearance
- Active TB
- Latent TB
What are key points of active TB?
transmissible and pt requires treatment
What are key points of latent TB?
> 90%, not transmissible and TB contained in “caseating granulomas”
What are the systemic features of TB?
- Low grade fever
- Anorexia
Weight loss - Malaise
- Night sweats
- Clubbing
- Erythema nodusm
What are pulmonary features of TB?
- Cough: dry then productive
- Pleurisy
- Haemoptysis (late)
- Dyspnoea/SOB
- Pleural effusion
What is TB lymphadenitis and how is it investigated?
- Usually painless enlargement of cervical or supraclavicular lymph nodes
- Firm to touch and not acutely inflammaed
- Investigate with FNA and AFB staining and culture
How does GI TB manifest?
- Ileocaecal
- Colicky abdominal pain and vomiting
- Peritonitis
- Ascites
- BO can occur from bowel wall thickening
How can you diagnose GI TB?
- Biopsy for diagnosis
2. Caseation necrosis and absence of transmural cracks/fissures distinguish from Crohns
How does Spinal TB manifest?
- Local pain and bony tenderness for weeks-months
- Slow insidious progressive
- Pott’s disease – TB spinal effect
- Spinal cord compression
- Osteomyelitis