Tuberculosis, Leprosy Flashcards
What stain is commonly used to identify M. tuberculosis? Why?
Acid-Fast stain; Mycolic acid content of cell walls
What is the natural host and reservoir of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis?
Humans
What type of oxygen processing capibilities do M. tuberculosis have?
They are obligate aerobes;
What is the significance of the pathogenicity of M. tuberculosis in guinea pigs?
This pathogenicity helps to differentiate between a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and atypical mycobacterium infection
What are some important structural components of M. tuberculosis?
- Mycolic acids - acid-fastness
- Phosphatides - Caseation necrosis
- Cord factor (trehalose dimycolate) - virulence, microscopic serpentine appearance
- Phtiocerol dimycocerosate: lung pathogenesis
M. tuberculosis transmission?
Inhalation of infected aerosols
Describe the pathogenesis of TB dissemination
- TB enters lung via inhaled particles
- Bugs spread to hilar lymph nodes (Ghon Complex)
- Bugs are coughed up in sputum (can pass infection) and are swallowed causing GI infection
- Bugs disseminate through blood stream causing Meningitis and Miliary TB (small foci) throughout the body (skeletal, genitourinary)
- Body attempts to wall of infection forming granulomas
Describe the TB pathogenesis in immunocompetent hosts
- Immunocompetent - Cell mediated immunity - Macrophages engulf bacteria. Some macros are activated by CD4 Th1 cells and can kill the bacteria; CD8 suppressor T cells lyse other infected macros forming caseating granulomas (“tubercules”)
What is the role in TNF in TB pathogenesis?
TNF plays an important role in maintaining latency. Patients receiving TNF-Alpha antagonists may reactivate
What is the Ghon complex?
A lesion involving the lung parenchyma and a hilar node
What is the difference betwixt proliferative and exudative TB lesions?
Proliferative - bacillary load is small and host cellular-immune responses dominate
Exudate lesions - large numbers of bacilli are present and host defenses are weak.
What is scrofula? What is it caused by? Tests? Tx?
(Generally) unilateral, painless, cervical adenitis caused by TB or M. scrofulaceum; PPD and fine-needle aspiration; Surgery considered after AB Tx started
What are risk factors for TB infection?
- Crowded environments
- HIV
- Immunosuppression - Uncontrolled HIV, Steroids, IFNgamma deficiency, TNF-Alpha Antagonists, Age <5 yo
Classic TB presentation?
Cough, Night Sweats, Weight Loss, Fever, Chest pain, Hemoptysis
This patient has TB. Describe the lung findings
CXR showing cavity formation associated with advanced infection and high bacterial load
What is the most effective procedure for obtaining cutures for suspected TB infection?
Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (Bronchoalveolar Lavage)
What is the general rate of renal TB in a patient with primary TB infection? What tests are performed to determine genitourinary TB? What findings on urinalysis are suggestive of systemic/urogenital TB?
Most common site for extrapulmonary infection and almost always reaches the kidneys; Intravenous urography (best option), Sterile pyuria
What is the most sensitive test for detecting the extent of leptomeningeal TB disease?
MRI with gadolinium enhancement
The following patient has systemic TB infection. What does the MRI show? Describe it.
Pott’s Disease; Spinal infection demonstrating destruction of vertebral body with epidural compression.