Tuberculosis
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Definition Aetiology Pathophysiology Risk factor Sign and Symptoms Investigations Management
Definition
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (acid-fast bacilli).
Aetiology
Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.
Pathophysiology
TB droplets inhaled > immune response and macrophages attempt to engulf bacteria > TB replicate inside macrophages.
Immune response unable to control replication of TB > infection spreads from lungs to other parts of body = respiratory failure, TB meningitis, brain damage and neurological deficits.
Risk factors
Travelling to a region where TB infections are high.
Exposure to infected individuals.
Immunocompromised persons.
Age.
Smoking.
Diabetes.
Malnutrition.
Sign and symptoms
Fatigue.
Productive cough.
Night sweats.
Weight loss.
Diagnosis and investigations
QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) blood test.
CXR.
Sputum cultures.
Bronchoscopy.
The Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST).
Management
Specialist treatment, but remember the RIPE acronym: Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol. These are antibiotics used for the treatment of TB. Generally speaking, treatment usually lasts 6 months.
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