Tuberculosis

Question 1

What organism is responsible for tuberculosis?

Answer 1

Myobacterium tuberculosis

Question 2

What is TB?

Answer 2

A bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs

Question 3

How is TB transmitted?

Answer 3

By respiratory droplets that are coughed or sneezed

Question 4

Are children or adults more likely to get infected with TB?

Answer 4

Children

Question 5

Name at least 4 symptoms of post-primary pulmonary tuberculosis?

Answer 5

Cough
Sputum
Haemoptysis
Pleuritic pain
Dyspnoea
Malaise
Fever
Weight loss

Question 6

What condition can predispose someone to TB?

Answer 6

Diabetes

Question 7

What are the 3 sputum specimens that should be done to help diagnose TB?

Answer 7

Sputum smear
Sputum culture
Sputum PCR

Question 8

If sputum samples are negative for TB what 3 investigations should take place

Answer 8

CT scan of thorax
Bronchoscopy
Pleural aspiration

Question 9

What 2 drugs should be used in the treatment of TB for 4 months?

Answer 9

Rifampicin

Isoniazid

Question 10

What 2 drugs should be used in the treatment of TB for 2 months?

Answer 10

Ethambutol

Pyrazinamide

Question 11

What 4 drugs should be used in the treatment of TB?

Answer 11

Rifampicin
Isoniazid
Ethambutol
Pyrazinamide

Question 12

Name a side effect for the following TB drugs:

1. Rifampicin (2)
2. Isoniazid (2)
3. Ethambutol
4. Pyrazinamide

Answer 12

Rifampicin - orange urine, hepatitis
Isoniazid - peripheral neuropathy, hepatitis
Ethambutol - optic neruopathy
Pyrazinamide - gout