Mycobacterium and Tuberculosis Diagnosis

A type of mycobacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB).

A group of mycobacteria that are not Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB).

A type of stain used to identify mycobacteria. It uses fluorescent dyes like Auramine-Rhodamine to stain the mycobacteria.

A biochemical test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). MTB is positive for Niacin, while other mycobacteria are usually negative.

A type of culture medium used to grow Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and other mycobacteria.

A type of tuberculosis that is not active and does not have symptoms. People with LTBI have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis but do not have active disease.

A test that involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin (purified protein derivative, PPD) under the skin to check for an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A positive result usually indicates that the person has been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis at some point.

A type of tuberculosis that involves a severe and widespread infection of the body, often affecting multiple organs.

A direct microscopic examination of sputum samples to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This method involves using a special stain called the Ziehl-Neelsen stain, which allows the bacteria to be seen under a microscope.

The process of removing impurities and contaminants from a sample, like sputum, to isolate Mycobacterium tuberculosis for further testing and analysis.

A positive TB skin test (TST) result, measured 48-72 hours after the test, with an induration of 5-10mm, indicates exposure to TB, past or present. This can be due to close contact with active TB, prior infection, immunocompromised states, or risk factors like living in endemic areas or being a healthcare worker.

QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFTG) is a blood test used to detect latent TB infection. It measures the immune response by identifying Interferon-gamma (IFN-y) production in response to TB antigens. QFTG is advantageous for being a single blood sample with a rapid response time, and it's not affected by BCG vaccination or NTM. However, it's more expensive and can be affected by immunosuppression.

Latent TB infection (LTBI) treatment in children involves taking Isoniazid (INH) for 6 months. This helps to prevent the development of active TB.

Active TB treatment in children involves a combination of four medications: Isoniazid (INH), Rifampicin (RIF), Pyrazinamide (PZA), and Ethambutol (EMB). These medications are given for 6 months to effectively kill the TB bacteria.

HIV-positive individuals are at an increased risk of developing active TB. The presence of HIV weakens the immune system, making it more susceptible to TB infection and progression.

A person with latent TB infection has a dormant form of the bacteria but is not contagious, while a person with active TB has a contagious form of the disease and needs treatment.

A person with LTBI has the TB bacteria in their body, but is not contagious. They are at risk of developing active TB later on.

Treatment of active TB in HIV positive people usually involves a combination of four drugs: INH, RIF, PZA, and EMB, taken for 6 months.

Treatment for LTBI in HIV positive individuals may involve a 6 months regimen of INH, RIF, and PZA or a 9 months regimen of INH alone.

Treatment for active TB in pregnant women involves a combination of four drugs: INH, RIF, PZA, and EMB, taken for 6 months, just like in non-pregnant individuals.

Treatment of LTBI in pregnant women typically involves taking INH for 9 months. There is also the option of a 6 months regimen with INH, RIF, and PZA, but this needs to be carefully evaluated.

Treatment for LTBI in children typically involves taking INH for 6 months.

Primary TB infection in children can progress to active TB, LTBI, or remain asymptomatic. It is important to monitor for symptoms and provide appropriate treatment as needed.