Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)

Very widespread and dangerous throughout the world

Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Causes difficulty with the respiratory system and has large effects in the lungs.

TB can also affect the nervous system , the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, the digestive system, bones , joints , skin, and others

Can affect 20% or more of the world’s population

Approximately 3 million people worldwide die each year from TB

Some estimates state that 15 million + individuals currently have TB in the United States

Seen more in the under-served, homeless, overcrowded and immunocompromised individuals.

Passed by “airborne droplets” when and infected individual coughs

Causes the Primary tuberculosis is when infection is in full force

Latent tuberculosis is when the disease is not active but hiding. At this time you can not infect someone else.

Reactivation can occur at anytime – but usually does so in about 10% of individuals

HIV patients reactivation is much more common

Symptoms
   -    Fatigue
   -    Cough
   -    Weight loss
   -    Night sweats
   -    Coughing blood (Hemoptysis)
   -    Breathing difficulty

Lab sputum analysis is essential
Three consecutive morning specimens are required
Bronchoscopy and X-ray are important

Tuberculin skin test
   -    A skin test with a positive result for someone previously or currently infected with TB
   -    The test will be positive if you currently have it or have had it in the past
   -    There have been some, especially outside of the United States, that have been vaccinated for TB and will have a positive result.

The Mantoux test places a small amount of a protein just under the skin.
After 48-72 hours the site of injection is looked at for changes or redness.

Treatment
·        Isoniazid
·        Rifampin
·        Pyrazinamide
·        Ethambutol
·        Steptomycin

Typical regimen course lasts 6-9 months and involves multiple drugs

Hospitalization is rare

If individual is HIV-positive than complications and concerns can arise
   -    You should contact an Expert to help
   -    Typically longer treatment

Some cases of resistant TB do exist and longer treatment may be an option.

Since multiple drugs are used and it can be difficult to find which drug has the resistance.

Properly treated TB can have great outcomes