Tuberculosis Flashcards
What is the main cause of tuberculosis?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
What are some high risk groups of tuberculosis?
HIV (200x increased risk) Alcoholics Foreign-born persons Immunosuppression/immunocompromised Economically disadvantaged, inner city residents Nursing home residents Drug users, homeless, prison inmates
True or False
Tuberculosis is able to be spread by shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, sharing toothbrushes, kissing
False
What is primary tuberculosis?
New TB infection or active disease in a previously naive host
True or False
Patients with latent TB infections are able to spread their TB infection to others
False
Symptoms of TB?
Insidious onset, chronic cough, weight loss, night sweats, anorexia, low or high grade fevers
How long does it take for a TB test (TST) to become positive after an infection?
6-8 weeks
A 40 year old ill-looking patient presents to your clinic with a bad cough for the past three weeks, weight loss, chills, fever, night sweats. You run a blood test and finds out that the patient is also positive for HIV. What diagnosis would you be leaning towards?
Tuberculosis
What is Ghon complex?
Scarring as a result from the immune system trying to “caseate” the organisms causing TB
How long does it take for a TB test (PPD) to turn positive after a primary infection?
4-7 weeks
A significant reaction suggests prior infection, not necessarily active TB
What groups of people are considered positive for a PPD test with the following diameter of induration?
A. >5 mm
B. >10 mm
C. >15 mm
A. HIV positive patients, recent contact with TB-infected patient, signs of TB on CXR
B. Patients with high risk of reactivation (IV drug use, homelessness, immigration, chronic illness, occupation)
C. Always considered positive, even without risk factors
What is the gold standard for identifying TB?
Culture
Medications for TB?
Isioniazid
Rifampin
Pyrazinamide
Ethambutol
