Questions and Answers
What is the primary causative agent of tuberculosis?
Which group is at higher risk of contracting tuberculosis?
What occurs in Stage 1 of tuberculosis infection?
In which stage do radiographic abnormalities typically start to appear?
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Which statement is true about Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
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Which statement describes Stage 4 of tuberculosis?
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How many inhaled bacilli are typically needed for tuberculosis infection to develop?
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Which factor does NOT increase the risk of tuberculosis infection?
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Study Notes
Overview of Tuberculosis (TB)
- Tuberculosis is a communicable chronic granulomatous disease primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, transmitted through the air.
- Rarely, Mycobacterium bovis causes TB through contaminated milk.
- Typically affects the lungs but can spread to other body organs.
Microbiology of TB
- Caused by aerobic bacteria that are non-spore forming and non-motile.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis contains mycolic acid in its cell wall, contributing to its virulence.
- Does not produce toxins, increasing its survival in hosts.
- Requires inhalation of 5-200 bacilli for infection to establish.
- Mycobacterium avium and intracellulare are implicated in atypical TB in AIDS patients.
Risk Factors
- Increased risk in poorly ventilated, crowded environments.
- Vulnerable groups include:
- Homeless individuals.
- Malnourished individuals.
- People undergoing steroid therapy or cancer chemotherapy.
- Individuals with hematologic malignancies.
Stages of TB Disease
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Stage 1: Exposure
- Involves exposure to a contagious TB patient.
- No symptoms are present, TST (Tuberculin Skin Test) may be negative initially.
- Children under 5 may show early miliary TB or tuberculous meningitis despite negative tests.
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Stage 2: Latent TB Infection
- Positive TST result with absence of clinical signs.
- Incidental chest X-ray (CXR) may reveal the primary complex of TB.
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Stage 3: Active TB Disease
- Symptoms appear depending on disease location (e.g., cough, fever).
- Radiographic abnormalities frequently observed.
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Stage 4: Previous TB Infection
- Clinically quiescent, indicating past TB episodes.
- Stable radiographic findings, significant TST reactions, but negative bacteriological studies.
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Description
Explore the intricate details of tuberculosis pathology in this quiz. Understand the causes, microbiological aspects, and organ involvement of this chronic communicable disease. Gain insight into Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its characteristics.
