Tuberculosis Flashcards
Describe M. Tuberculosis
Non-motile bacillus w/ slow growth time that lacks pigment
How is M. Tuberculosis transmitted?
Respiratory Droplets; NOT CONTACT
Pathogenesis of M. Tuberculosis
- Inhaled organism deposits in Lower lobes (greatest airflow)
- Macrophages ingest organims, then travel to hilar/mediastinal lymph nodes
- Lymphatic and Hematogenous dissemination
- Positive PPD 6-14 wks after infection
When is there extrapulmonary dissemination? Where will you find secondary pulmonary infections?
HIV pts with <200 T cells
Apical posterior lung (High O2)
In what situation is their caseous necrosis?
High Ag load and tissue hypersenstivity
How do you interpret the Mantoux skin test?
- Read 48-72 hrs after application
- Measure the area of induration
- A positive test DOES NOT imply infection, only exposure
Describe a postive mantoux skin test
> 5mm + in: close contacts, HIV+, CXR w/ fibrosis
10mm + in: medical conditions, foreign-born from high-prevalence areas, low-income populations, high-risk minorities, IVDU, long-term care facility residents
10mm is generally considered + in anybody
How is TB diagnosed?
Bacterial culture confirms diagnosis
also
3 sputum specimens should be examined.
Distinguish Primary infection from chronic pulmonary TB
Primary: Gohn node, non-specific infiltrate
Chronic: Apical posterior upper lobes, fibrous scar
Discuss Cavitary Disease
Large # organisms, highly infectious, dissemination
Superinfection: Aspergillus, atypical mycobacteria
Underlying carcinoma if doesn’t respond to Tx
What are the 2 principles of TB tx?
- Treat for longer periods (b/c slow growing)
2. Use 2 drugs (begin Tx w/ 4 drugs until you get culture ID results)
Tx in pregnant pts
- TB poses a risk to the fetus so begin Tx w/ INH/RIF/EMB
2. Streptomycin is TERATOGENIC
Isoniazid
- Inhibits mycolic acid synthesis
- Hepatotoxic; MUST CHECK LFTs, peripheral neuropathy, SJS, SLE
- Interacts with cheese and wine
RIfampin
- Inhibits RNA synthesis
- Orange secretion, hepatitis
- Interacts with warfarin and quinidine
Pyrazinamide
- Effective against dormant cells w/in macrophages
- prodrug activated by bacteria
3, Fever, polyarthralgia, photosensitivity