Tuberculosis

Question 1

What is TB?

Answer 1

TB = Tuberculosis

It is caused by the bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis

The bacteria can affect any organ but most commonly the lungs

Question 2

What are the different categories of TB?

Answer 2

TB can be categorised as Active or latent

Active TB can be further categorised by its location

Question 3

What are the risk factors for TB?

Answer 3

Being born in high prevalence areas

Children younger than 5 years of age.

Close contacts of a person with active pulmonary or laryngeal TB.

History of untreated or inadequately treated active TB infection.

Co-morbid conditions.

Immunosuppressive drugs.

Under-served groups.

History of excessive alcohol, injecting drug users, and smokers.

Sex. TB infection is more common in males than females.

Question 4

How do we diagnose active TB?

Answer 4

Needs microbiological sampling from the location of suspected TB

For Pulmonary TB:
- 3 x early morning sputum samples
- Bronchoscopy with washings for TB can also be considered

Question 5

How do we treat TB?

Answer 5

For active TB that is not drug resistant, TB is treated with Rifampicin, Isoniazid (with pyridoxine), Pyrazinamide, and ethambutol

Latent TB is treated with 3 months Rifampicin and Isoniazid (with pyridoxine) or Isoniazid for 6 months

Question 6

Where can TB affect and how does this change treatment?

Answer 6

Any organ!

CNS TB needs the addition of steroids

TB collections may need drainage

Question 7

What is MDRTB?

Answer 7

Multi-drug resistant TB
- Resistance to both isoniazid and rifampicin antibiotics

Question 8

What is Non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium (NTM)?

Answer 8

TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while NTM are a group of other mycobacteria that can cause lung disease, particularly in people with underlying lung conditions or weakened immune systems