Tuberculosis Flashcards
1
Q
How is TB spread?
A
Airborne (pulmonary and laryngeal TB spreads, the others not)
- someone with TB bacteria in their lungs coughs (sneezes, yells, sings)
- TB bacteria attached to aerosol droplets which can remain suspended in air for many hours, especially if there is poor air circulation
- someone else breathes these bacteria in
- usually requires prolonged close contact
- outdoors mycobacteria eliminated by UV radiation and dilution
2
Q
How is TB not spread?
A
- shaking hands
- sharing food
- touching surfaces
- sharing toothbrushes
- kissing
3
Q
What does TB usually present as?
A
- cough
- fever
- sweats (mainly at night)
- weight loss
CRP normal in 15%, ESR normal in 21%
4
Q
What is the treatment of TB?
A
- multiple drug therapy is essential
- single agent treatment leads to drug resistant organisms within 14 days
- therapy must continue for at least 6 months
- TB therapy is a job for committed specialists only
- legal requirement to notify all cases
- test for HIV, hep B and C
5
Q
What are the 4 drugs used for TB treatment?
A
- rifampicin
- isoniazid
- pyrazinamide
- ethambutol
6
Q
What side effects are caused by rifampicin?
A
- orange ‘irn bru’ urine/tears/lenses
- induces liver enzymes, prednisolone, anticonvulsants
- all hormonal contraceptive methods ineffective
- hepatitis
- rash
7
Q
What side effects are caused by isoniazid?
A
- hepatitis
- peripheral neuropathy (pyridoxine B6)
- rash
8
Q
What side effects are caused by pyrazinamide?
A
- hepatitis
- gout
- rash
9
Q
What side effects are caused by ethambutol?
A
- optic neuropathy (check visual acuity)
- rash
