TB Flashcards
1
Q
What bacterium causes TB?
A
Myobacterium tuberculosis
2
Q
How does TB infect people?
A
Droplet infection – tiny droplets containing bacteria are inhaled into the lungs
3
Q
What other factors affect TB?
A
- Poor diet
- Poor health
- Overcrowded living conditions
4
Q
What are the 3 phases of TB?
A
- Primary infection
- Latent TB
- Active TB
5
Q
Explain primary infection of TB - 7
A
- Bacteria cause inflammatory response from immune system
- Macrophages engulf bacteria
- Bacteria survive and replicate inside the macrophages
- Bacteria sealed off inside infected macrophages
- In anaerobic tissue masses called tubercules
- Bacteria lie dormant
- Person has latent TB and no obvious symptoms
6
Q
Explain active TB - 4
A
- If immune system is suppressed e.g by HIV
- Dormant bacteria reactivated and overcome immune system
- In the lungs the bacteria multiply and rapidly destroy lung tissue
- Creates cavities and holes in the lungs
7
Q
How long can the length of time between active TB and infection be?
A
Weeks/years
8
Q
List the symptoms of TB - 7
A
- Lack of appetite leading to weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Severe coughing leading to inflammation of lungs
- Respiratory failure and eventually death
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
9
Q
How does TB affect the body other than lungs?
A
Can infect: brain, kidneys, glands
10
Q
Describe a test for TB
A
- Small amount of tuberculin injected under forearm skin
- Positive result - inflamed area under injection site
11
Q
What causes the inflamed reaction in the test for TB?
A
Antibodies, indicating TB antigens are already present
12
Q
Give 2 other tests for TB
A
- Chest X-rays
- Identification of bacteria
13
Q
How can TB be treated? 3
A
- Combination of 4 antibiotic drugs
- All given for 2 months
- 2 continued for a further 2 months
